Corporate Plunge Challenge 2014 Information Packet

Corporate Plunge Challenge
2014 Information Packet
What is the MSP Polar Bear Plunge?
2014 marks the 18th anniversary of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to
benefit Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). Over the years the plunge has evolved into
ritual for some and a rite of passage for others. It has become a Maryland
institution…a winter “cabin fever buster” classic.
The Plunge plays an integral role in helping Special Olympics Maryland transform the
lives of over 6,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities; their families and
communities, every day through meaningful sport experiences, health promotion
along with education and awareness building on and off the field.
Thanks to the spirited volunteer commitment of the Maryland State Police and the
Maryland Natural Resources Police, Marylanders are able to experience the unique
and exhilarating adventure of “plunging” into the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay
from the beach at Sandy Point State Park. The act of “plunging” ranges from dipping
one’s toe in the Bay to wading out to chest-deep water followed by the fully
submerged body plunge. The event has grown to include 10,000 plungers each year
with another 10,000 people attending to observe the plunge and take advantage of
our Plungefest which provides a festival-like atmosphere, making for an enjoyable daylong experience at the park.
Who: 10,000 Marylanders
What: Plunge into the Chesapeake Bay
Where: Sandy Point State Park
When: Saturday, January 25, 2014 THE MSP Polar
Bear Plunge, 1:00 and 3:00
Why: To Benefit Special Olympics Maryland
What else: The day-long Plungefest helps break
cabin fever for an additional 10,000 spectators and
supporters who enjoy the day’s festivities at the park.
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The event has evolved over the years to be the single largest revenue producing
special event for Special Olympics Maryland. Supported by all law enforcement
agencies across the state, Presenting Sponsor - Aerotek and media partners WBAL 11,
98Rock and WBAL 1090, along with numerous other partners, the MSP Polar Bear
Plunge plays a significant role in transforming lives and building better communities
across Maryland.
While SOMD has served our athletes for over 40 years there is still much work to be
done. There are 90,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Maryland so we are
only reaching 7.2% of those eligible for our sport programs. Our goal is to double the
number of athletes by 2018. In order to provide year-round sport programs for those
13,000 athletes we will be recruiting more volunteers and of course we will need to
raise more money as our athletes participate for free. That’s right there is no charge to
become a Special Olympics athlete.
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What is the Corporate Plunge?
other business entities and
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service organizations
What: Pre-Plunge Reception 2:00
Plunge 3:30 followed by Post Plunge Reception
Where: Sandy Point State Park
When: Friday, January 24, 2014
Why: To Benefit Special Olympics Maryland
Scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014, the Corporate Plunge Challenge was created to
provide corporate teams and other business entities as well as service clubs with a
great team building opportunity that provides financial support to Special Olympics
Maryland. The event leverages the infrastructure of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge at
Sandy Point State to provide this unique plunge opportunity on Friday afternoon when
the park is empty compared to Saturday when 20,000 people pack the park. You and
your team will be able to have easy access to the venue that includes on-site parking.
The afternoon festivities begin 2:00 with a pre-plunge reception and recognition
program. You will hear from Special Olympics Maryland athletes and learn how your
fundraising efforts are impacting the lives of current and future athletes. The
Corporate Plunge will take place at 3:30 followed by a post plunge reception, where
teams share their plunge experience and try to warm up before heading home. This
has also turned into a networking opportunity which we expect to grow as we add
more teams.
Team Conditions:
 Teams must raise a minimum of $750 in order to participate in the Corporate
Plunge Challenge
 Teams must have a minimum of 10 members to be eligible for team prizes
(please note, if your team has less than 10 members, you must still raise a
minimum of $750 as a team to participate)
 Teams must pre-register
 Each team member must raise minimum of $75
 Participants receive Plunge sweatshirt, complementary food at the pre and
post plunge receptions, two drink coupons*, and the exhilaration of plunging
in frigid waters of the Chesapeake bay to transform lives and build better
communities
*The coupons are only good at the pre and post plunge reception on Friday, January
24, 2014.
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Be the Bear… Sign Your Team Up Today!
The Corporate Plunge Challenge provides unique challenge for you and your
colleagues to conquer as a group. There is strength in numbers and nothing like
entering the Bay together to take the plunge. The exhilaration of the plunge and the
excitement of doing it as team serves as an exceptional team-building activity that
combined with interaction with our athletes on site also boosts morale. People feel
good about being part of a team that is having a tangible impact in the community
outside the scope everyday business but consistent with the corporate or organization
culture.
Divisions are as follows:
 Division 1: 10-19 members
 Division 2: 20-29 members
 Division 3: 30-39 members
 Division 4: 40-99 members
 Division 5: 100+ members
Your team does not need to consist of just employees and staff. Invite family and
friends to join in on the fun too!
Awards will be provided to the top fundraising team in each division and the top overall fundraiser.
Getting involved in the coolest team-building experience of the year is easy-just follow
the steps below and get ready to grin and “bear” it at the 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Visit www.plungemd.com and highlight the register tab at the top of the page
Highlight and click “Plunge Registration”
Read and agree to the event waiver
Click “Start a team” and then “New Team Under Group”
Select Corporate Plunge, pick a pick a team name and follow the remaining on
screen directions!
Need a little assistance? Contact Stephanie Novak, snovak@somd.org.
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Spreading the Word…
Below are just a few ways that your company can support the MSP Polar Bear Plunge.
Help us spread the word and get your company excited to be a part of this event.
 Place brochures and posters in your office and throughout the entire building
 Host a Plunge booth in your lobby and hand out materials and encourage
others to join your team
 Include information on you company’s website with a link to your Plunge team
 Include Plunge team information in internal communications/emails
 Set up contest within the office to see who can raise the most funds-make it a
competition!
 Sell Plunge icons to supports-icons can be placed throughout the office
representing those who are supporting the cause
 Challenge a nearby company to take the Corporate Plunge Challenge with you
and compete against your team
 Talk to the management and/or finance-find out your company’s rules on
matching gifts. Matching Gift programs are an easy way to increase your teams
fundraising
 Had a Plunge team in the past? Ask each past team member to get someone
new to register
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Raise More Money-Get COOL prizes!
In addition to a refreshing swim, everyone can score some outstanding prizes!
Plungers who raise more than $75 (the cost to Plunge) are eligible for the below
incentives:
Individual Fundraising Prizes:
Individual prizes will be awarded (post-plunge) at the levels below (Prizes are still being
finalized – check www.plungemd.com for details).
$500  $1,000  $1,500  $2,500  $5,000  $6,000
Team Prizes:
Teams are a big part of the Plunge and whether they are large or small- we know that
team captains keep the team motivated and are the driving force behind their teams
fundraising. As a “Thank You” from us to you, teams and team captains participating
on Friday, January 24 are eligible for the prizes at the levels listed below:
Frigid Level-$2,500
 Team Captain will receive Travel Coffee Mug & Plunge Towel.
 Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the
post plunge tailgate party.
Frozen Level-$5,000
 Team Captain will receive Polar Bear Plunge hooded sweatshirt, travel mug,
and towel.
 Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the
post plunge tailgate party.
 Team recognition in post-plunge e-newsletter
Frostbitten Level-$10,000
 Team Captain will receive Polar Bear Plunge hooded sweatshirt, travel mug,
and towel.
 Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the
post-plunge tailgate party.
 Team recognition in post-plunge e-newsletter
 Company logo will be listed on the back of the Plunge Sweatshirt. (PLEASE
NOTE: $10,000 must be raised and submitted to Special Olympics Maryland by
January 15, 2014 to receive this incentive)
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Fundraising Tools and Ideas:
Personal/Team Fundraising Page:
Once you register, you have the opportunity to personalize your Plunge
webpage, making it easy to solicit donations online from friends, family, neighbors,
and your boss.
Customizable Posters:
Posters can be completely customized for your company and can be
picked up from the Special Olympics Maryland Headquarters or can be
emailed for personal printing. Contact Stephanie Novak,
snovak@somd.org for more information.
Event Brochures:
The Plunge brochure can be given to anyone interested in learning
more about the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. The Brochure includes all the
information on the event and how to register/donate online.
Brochures can be placed in common areas for people to take, can be
passed out at staff/department meetings, or can be given out to
neighbors. Contact Stephanie Novak, snovak@somd.org for more
information.
Fundraising Icons:
You can sell icons for $1(or more) around the office and put the funds towards
your Plunge team. When sold, have the buyer write their name on them and
put them up for display Contact Stephanie Novak, snovak@somd.org and she
will provide these to you at no cost.
Social Media:
Promote your participation in a status. Provide a link to have friends go directly
to your page.
Email Signature:
Set up your e-mail signature with a link to your online fundraising page.
Include this year’s message: “I’m going to be part of the coolest event in 2014!
Support me as I take the Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland!”
Casual Day:
Host a "Casual Day" at work where employees can dress casually if they give a
donation towards your team Plunge goal.
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