Frequently Asked Questions

General Event Information

Q: Where/how do I turn in my money on Plunge Day?
  • A: Any money you have in-hand should be turned in at the Registration area on Plunge Day. This includes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal and Google Pay donations are also accepted at Registration.
Q: What is a Mobile Plunge Unit?
  • A: Think of it as a Polar Plunge on wheels! The Mobile Plunge Unit is a transformed shipping container filled with cold water that brings the Polar Plunge experience wherever it goes. Participants use the stairs to access the jump platform, where they must jump into the water. After taking the plunge, participants use a separate set of stairs to exit the unit.
Q: How old do you have to be to Plunge?
  • A: While we do not have any age restrictions, participants under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Q: Is there someplace where I can change before and/or after the Plunge?
  • A: There will be a space at the venue to change and remember to bring a bag for wet clothes. Also, please bring a pair of dry shoes for after you take the plunge.
Q: What should I wear to the Plunge?
  • A: Pretty much whatever you want, within the following guidelines: You must wear shoes of some sort. We recommend old sneakers, crocs, or water shoes. Lewd or indecent bathing suits or outfits are not permitted. Please remember that this is a family event. Participants who disregard this policy will be asked to cover up or will be escorted from the plunge. Costumes are encouraged!
Q: Do you have any other tips for plungers?
  • A: Bring a plastic bag for your wet clothes. Don't wear any jewelry that you are afraid to lose. If you want to take your cell phone with you, put it in a plastic bag so it won't get wet.

DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING

Q: Who should checks be made out to?
  • A: Checks should be made out to Special Olympics New York. Please include in the memo area of the check the Plunger's name that will receive the credit.
Q: I am trying to make an online donation, but it doesn't seem to be going through. What can I do?
  • A: Call or email us and we can help! We can check on the back end to see what the problem was. You can contact Carolyn Braunius at (518) 930-4882 or email her at cbraunius@nyso.org.
Q: I have received additional donations for the Plunge, but the event is over. What should I do with them?
  • A: Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year and simply need to be mailed or delivered to: Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203. Please be sure that the name of the individual or team that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
Q: I have registered online but I also have cash and checks that people have given me, what can I do with these?
  • A: All donations should be turned in at the event Registration. These additional funds will be added to your fundraising total. You can also drop your donations off to our offices at Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203. Please include a note on how you would like the gift to be credited.
Q: Does Special Olympics New York issue refunds?
  • A: Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum Plunge registration fee is considered a charitable contribution and is therefore also non-refundable.
Q: I have received some cash donations, and I want to update the fundraising total on my webpage to include these. How can I do this?
  • A: Individual Plunge participants can enter donations in the system, but they must be confirmed by the staff at Special Olympics New York. All donations cash, check, money order received via mail or in person are entered by the administrative support staff for the Plunge. Contributions in this form should be mailed to: Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203 for processing. Please allow at least 5-7 days from receipt of the donations for totals to reflect online.
Q: How long does it take for checks that are mailed in on my behalf to show up in my fundraising total?
  • A: Generally speaking, contributions will be entered no more than 5-7 days after they are received by Special Olympics New York. When checking on a donation that has been mailed, please remember to allow 2-3 days for handling by the USPS. During the week of the Plunge, processing time WILL increase due to the volume of mail received. In this case, contributions may or may not appear on your webpage prior to the event.
Q: Can I get blank receipt forms to give to my donors?
  • A: Blank receipt forms are available for you to give back to donors upon receiving a contribution. Download one here.

TEAM INFORMATION

Q: My team would like to put out some banners/posters/flyers/other promotional materials to promote a special fundraiser and/or our general participation in the event and help us raise money. How can we get these?
  • A: We are happy to work with teams to assist in promoting participation in this event. Send us the information and we will post it on our social media accounts. Please email Renee Snyder at rsnyder@nyso.org for materials.

SPECTATORS

Q: As a spectator, where is the best place to watch the Plunge?
  • A: Spectators are welcome to stand along the outside perimeter of the mobile unit in the designated “Plunge Zone” to watch. Spectators will NOT be allowed in the Plunge Zone. For those Plungers who need photographic proof, we recommend taking a waterproof camera to the water with you and asking a fellow Plunger to capture the moment.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Q: I was going to participate but now I can't. Is there a way for me to cancel my registration?
  • A: If you simply want to let us know that you are no longer attending, there is no need. We expect a certain % of no-shows each year and plan accordingly. There are no refunds.