Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware Feb. 5
One of Delaware’s largest fundraising events, the Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Wawa and Discover, is set for 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, in Rehoboth Beach.
Celebrating its 32nd year, the event began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Last year, 3,244 bears raised more than $1 million participating at the event at Rehoboth Beach, and in virtual plunges across the state and region. Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $14.7 million, supporting the organization’s year-round mission of providing sports training and competition along with health, education and leadership programs for more than 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
"We are excited for this year’s plunge as we return to all of the weekend festival events being held like they were pre-COVID," said David Halley, SODE president and CEO. "The continued support of our bears to keep plunging themselves year after year and recruiting others to join them is truly amazing. The support we receive from sponsors and the businesses throughout the state and particularly in the town of Rehoboth Beach makes this event a very attractive one for all involved. Our athletes have inspired us in so many ways, and an event of this magnitude that involves the support of so many people is a true indication of just how much respect and admiration our athletes have earned.”
Wawa is a presenting sponsor for the 17th consecutive year, and its associate volunteers will be onsite distributing free hot beverages to the chilly plungers from the Wawa Foundation’s Community Care vehicle. In addition to their support at the event, Wawa is currently accepting donations at all of its 980-plus store locations through Sunday, Feb. 19, with funds benefiting Special Olympics chainwide.
“Wawa and the Wawa Foundation are committed to building stronger communities and are proud to support Special Olympics at their plunge to help the more than 4,200 athletes who train and compete throughout Delaware,” said Jay Culotta, Wawa Foundation president. “There’s no better feeling for our associates than volunteering their time to brighten the days of friends and neighbors in our community.”
Joining Wawa for the fourth consecutive year as a presenting sponsor is Discover, a company that has been affiliated with Special Olympics in a variety of ways for more than 20 years. Discover has sponsored several Special Olympics sports competitions and fundraising events over the years through financial contributions and by providing event volunteers.
“Discover has seen the impact that the Special Olympics makes in Delaware, which is why we have partnered with them in a variety of ways for two decades,” said Natalie DiSabatino, Discover community affairs specialist. “For the Polar Bear Plunge, we will be donating $50,000, volunteers will help run the event, and we have some fun gear for participants. We know that this event will make a difference for the community where our employees live.”
Activities Saturday, Feb. 4, include a 5K Run to the Plunge, sand sculpting demonstration, Fire & Ice festivities and a restaurant chili-tasting contest. An après-plunge party will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
For more information, go to plungeDE.org.
