Thousands expected to participate in signature fundraiser with a goal of raising more than $1 million to sustain the organization’s rapid growth and to support 50th anniversary initiatives.

There are a lot of ways to raise money for charitable causes, but taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Indiana might be the single most exciting.

Hearts pumping and extremities freezing, thousands of supporters of all ages have felt the rush of making a difference by making a cold-weather splash in the name of raising money to support year-round programs and events for people with intellectual disabilities. There are costumes, music, and food. "Freezin’ for a Reason," as the motto goes, is more fun than it looks.

But like all Special Olympics events, the Polar Plunge is about much more than fun: it’s about inclusion, equality, and empowerment. As the organization’s signature fundraiser for the last 20 years, this annual tradition has played a vital role in ensuring that an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities can continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs.

A total of 18 Polar Plunge events are scheduled for February and March in cities and on college campuses across Indiana. Plunge sites include: Boonville, Borden, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, Indianapolis (Butler University and Eagle Creek Park), Kokomo, Liberty, Muncie, Petersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, Versailles, Warsaw, and West Lafayette. View the 2019 Polar Plunge Calendar.

Celebrating 50 years of changing lives in 2019 and now serving more than 16,000 people across the state each year, Special Olympics Indiana is aiming to raise at least $1 million through the 2019 Polar Plunge season for the first time in its history. All funds raised will directly benefit current and future Special Olympics athletes.To learn more about the 50th anniversary Polar Plunge or to register or make a contribution in support of a participating individual or team, visit www.PolarPlungeIN.org.

• Each Polar Plunge event has its own unique personality, with additional activities ranging from costume contests to 5K fundraising races and the always popular “After Splash Bash” — a celebration following each event where participants are recognized and presented with awards.

• The majority of Polar Plunge participants register as part of a team, often representing a business, school, family, fraternity/sorority, church group, or sports team. Teams of 10 or more are eligible for team awards.

• All individuals who raise at least $75 are rewarded with an official Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirt. Other prizes this year will include branded towels, Sherpa blankets, insulated tumblers, hoodies, and jackets, each awarded at a certain fundraising level. View all 2019 Polar Plunge Prizes.

• Polar Plunge events will be held on six Indiana campuses in 2019, including Purdue, IU, Butler, Indiana State, Ball State, and Valparaiso. All campus events are open to members of the community as well.

• Committees made up of students and volunteers at each school lead the charge to host the best campus event, with the top fundraising school earning the right to keep a traveling trophy at the end of each Polar Plunge season.

• Those who are unable or unwilling to participate in the Polar Plunge are encouraged to fundraise as “Virtual Plungers” or to donate on behalf of a participating individual or team. Volunteers are also needed to organize and staff each event.

• Individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to support the Polar Plunge by raising a minimum of $4,000 are eligible to be recognized as “Super Plungers.” Fifteen individuals earned this distinction in 2018.

• Corporate and civic leaders, public figures, and others in positions of authority are invited to be a part of the Executive Challenge, with each raising or contributing a minimum of $5,000 before taking the Polar Plunge in Indianapolis. Those interested may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

• The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Companies and other organizations can support the Polar Plunge through corporate sponsorships or employee matching programs. Gold level sponsors of the 2019 Polar Plunge include Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana and Duke Energy.