Largest Fundraising Event for Special Olympics New Jersey is Back!

(Press Release, Feb. 24, 2022) SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – This Saturday, February 26, 2022, an anticipated 5,500 people will return to the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean to bring back the largest single fundraiser of the year for Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) and continue the annual tradition of taking the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights.

The goal for Saturday’s Plunge is set at $1.8 million and will take place on the beach between Blaine Avenue and Sumner Avenue, directly in front of the Spicy Cantina (500 Boardwalk). Street closures in the area will be in effect until early afternoon. At 1:00 p.m., all individuals who raised the plunge minimum will make their way into the Atlantic, where the water temperature is expected to be in the low 40s and the air temperature is forecasted to be in the mid-30s.

“We are so happy to be back in Seaside Heights for the 29th annual Polar Bear Plunge and want to thank the many fundraisers, year-round partners, volunteers, and communities for standing by us through the challenges of the last couple years,” said Heather Andersen, President and CEO of SONJ. “SONJ is coming back stronger than ever thanks to our tremendous supporters, and we look forward to getting back to offering our athletes the in person experiences they so deserve.”

Many of the event participants have gone above and beyond the Plunge minimum, and as of Friday morning, February 25, the highest individual fundraiser is Scott Paterson, who has raised $32,023. Many teams are competing to take the crown of the largest fundraising team, with the Bayshore Shrinky Dinks currently in the top spot with $66,330 raised.

“It has been a challenging couple of years, but we are BACK!”, says Chief Robert Belfiore, Retired Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Director of the New Jersey Torch Run. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been serving Special Olympics New Jersey athletes for almost 40 years and it has never been more vital to get our athletes back on the playing fields and courts where they belong. Events like the Polar Bear Plunges provide strong funding support to Special Olympics New Jersey that directly benefits athletes from all across the state.”

Registration is still open and walk-up Plunge registrants are welcome and encouraged to arrive early due to the heavy traffic. Registration opens at 9:00 am and the walk-up registration fee is $125. Spectators are also welcome, and parking will be available in the area. Wawa, the official coffee partner of the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside, will be onsite with their mobile truck to provide FREE coffee and hot chocolate.

To learn more about the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights visit PlungeSeaside.org.