Plunge raises $500,000 for Special Olympics DE

Weather has been an discouraging factor in this year’s Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, as snowstorms delayed the February event to this past weekend, and heavy rains forced the annual 5K Run to the Plunge to take a back seat on Saturday, March 13. But the support from plungers and members throughout the community reached unprecedented results when funds from participants and donations hit an all-time high for the event, topping $500,000, which benefits Special Olympics Delaware.

Coastal Point
Participants plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to help raise funds for Special Olympics Delaware. The event had 2,343 participants this year.
“We were very pleased with the outcome,” said Jon Buzby, director of media relations for Special Olympics Delaware. “We had 2,343 ‘polar bears’ jump into the water this year. You look at the numbers last year, and we had almost 3,000 take the plunge. But the neat thing is, even with 600 less bears, we raised a lot more money for our organization.”

Gov. Jack Markell led the ‘bears’ into the 42 degree water this past Sunday, March 14. “The rescheduling was most likely the reason for the reduced number of people out there,” said Buzby, “but we still had a whole lot of people sending their money in. Sure, people come out because they want to do something fun with their friends and it’s an annual event, but I think a lot of people do it because they support Special Olympics Delaware and what we stand for. We’ve definitely seen that in the response over the years, including this year’s event.”

The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, now in its 19th year, is one of the largest fundraisers for Delaware’s Special Olympics. “The money we acquire goes into our general fund,” said Buzby. “All of that money goes into our programs for our 3,300 athletes. We offer 20 different sports, and this year, we’re sending over 30 athletes to the national games in Lincoln, Nebraska. The money’s not necessarily earmarked for that, in particular, but every dollar we do raise comes right back to our Delaware athletes.”

The next Special Olympics Delaware event is the Annual Ride to the Tide, organized by the Delaware Blue Knights - Chapter 1. Hundreds of motorcyclists will take part in a police-escorted ride on April 18, from Newark, Smyrna and Seaford to Jake’s Seafood restaurant in Lewes. For more information about the Ride to the Tide, including registration, visit www.sode.org.