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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2017

PLUNGE2017

R E H O B O T H B E A C HBENEFITING SPECIAL OLYMPICS DELAWARE

LEWES POLAR BEAR

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WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORGThe crowd will be huge, the cause great, and the water freezing.

Register now to make a difference.

#PLUNGEDE #GOfortheCOLD

2017 Polar Bear Plunge Toolkit

CONTENTSTeams at the 2017 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Getting Started Create a Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tips for the Team Captain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step-by-step ways to be successful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Event Information and Plunge Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Fundraising Tips and Supporting Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Sample Plunge donation email or letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Cool Ideas to raise funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9How can your team fundraise? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Sample donation cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Sample announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Social Media Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Logo Guidelines: Official policy regarding usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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What is the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge?The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge is Special Olympics Delaware’s largest event. It is held annually on the first Sunday in February in Rehoboth Beach and raises funds that fuel year-round sports programs for more than 4,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state. Special Olympics is the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities.

GO FOR THE COLD!This isn’t just a plunge, it’s a jump for joy. Proceeds from the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware, so on February 5, the coldest moment of your life will support the biggest moment of theirs. The crowd will be huge, the cause great, and the water freezing. But we don’t do it because it’s easy ... we do it to make a difference.

Why form a team?Teams are a great way to create maximum impact at the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge - while having fun together!

The Plunge event is a great team-building exercise for any group, business or organization. Why not issue a corporate challenge and see who can recruit the most Polar Bears? Or why not gather a group of friends and colleagues to take the plunge together and make a personal statement with fun costumes?

Anyone with a little courage, a warm heart and a desire to support a worthy cause is welcome to join your team. Teams will also compete for awards - so start recruiting for a chance to win a trophy for “Most Bears Recruited” or “Most Funds Raised”.

Each individual is asked to raise a minimum of $75 to participate as a Polar Bear. Each participant who reaches the minimum donation receives official Polar Bear swag (a Plunge hoodie sweatshirt) and entry to the after-Plunge party. Additional pledges above $75 will entitle you to some cool incentives, so keep collecting pledges and let your sponsors know that you’re freezin’ for a reason!

TEAMSat the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge

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The saying goes that “friends don’t let friends plunge alone.” Creating a Plunge Team multiplies the fun ... so invite your circle of friends, family, co-workers, colleagues and neighbors to join you!

The exhiliration of the Plunge and the excitement of doing it together as a team serves as an exceptional way for your group to make a significant impact in raising greater awareness for our Special Olympics athletes. Just think about how much fun it will be to be on the beach with your team ... making a difference together.

** If you are a team captain and would like to create a new team, contact us so we can help you: Corinne Plummer (cplummer@udel.edu or 302-831-4796)

GETTING STARTED

TIPS FOR THE TEAM CAPTAIN● Register yourself as a Polar Bear by going to WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG and click “REGISTER”.

● When you register, click on the FORM A TEAM option. Be prepared to name your team.

● If you have any difficulties with forming a team, contact Special Olympics Delaware at: cplummer@udel.edu or 302-831-4796.

● Once your team is formed, start to recruit Polar Bears! Invite your friends, family, co-workers, colleagues and neighbors to join you for a fun day in support of Special Olympics Delaware athletes.

● Ask your teammates to register individually as Polar Bears by going online to WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG. Your team members can search for the team name and Join the Team.

● Communicate with your team regularly to make sure they’re motivated.

● Hang posters and distribute take-one cards anywhere you can to recruit new Polar Bears to join you.

● Think of fun costumes, or cool spiritwear that your team can wear on Plunge day. Stand out among the thousands of Polar Bears.

● Provide team members with copies of fundraising ideas (provided in this toolkit).

● Make sure that each team member stays on track to raise their fundraising minimum of $75 per individual by Plunge day.

Create a Polar Bear Plunge Team

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STEP #1 - Start by pre-registering yourself for the PlungeVisit WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG and click “REGISTER”. This will take you to the online Plunge registration page on the Classy fundraising platform. If your team captain has created a team, type in the team name and join your team. Follow the steps to pre-register.

After you pre-register online, create a fundraising page and add a photo and personal message. Collecting donations online by sharing your fundraising page link is the easiest way to get your friends and family to donate to your Plunge -plus- don’t forget to use email and social media to communicate why you’re taking the Plunge! The fee to take the Plunge is a minimum donation of $75.

IMPORTANT: Each person on a team will need to individually pre-register for the Plunge. All Polar Bears who pre-register by January 29 will receive their official Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirt. A pre-registration fee of $10 guarantees your sweatshirt. Individuals can also register on event day as a “Day-of” Polar Bear - however - your sweatshirt will not be guaranteed and you may receive it post-event.

STEP #2 - Collect donationsAsk family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you - print copies of the sample donation request letter or direct them to visit your online fundraising page. Sharing your fundraising link online is the easiest and quickest way to gather donations.

IMPORTANT: You can also collect pledges offline by using the Pledge Sheet to keep track of your donations. Any cash and checks must be turned in when you check in prior to the event.

STEP #3 - The Waiver Form Team members who are over the age of 18 yrs. old will be given a waiver form to sign upon checking in at the Plunge.

Team members under the age of 18 yrs. must download a waiver form and have a parent/guardian sign it. The signed form will be turned in upon checking in at the Plunge. Forms are available at WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG

STEP #4 - Check in earlyTake advantage of CHECK IN EARLY times prior to the Plunge. Or better yet ... ask about our Polar Bear Team Early Check-in service! Contact Corinne Plummer at cplummer@udel.edu or 302-831-4796.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE TEAMS

Step-by-step ways to be successful

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DAY-OF PLUNGE CHECKLIST

Check-in and sign your waiver. Team members under 18 yrs. old must bring a signed waiver (by parent/guardian).

Turn in any additional funds raised, if any.

Water shoes for going into the water (the sand is very cold on bare feet)

A plastic bag (for wet clothes)

Extra clothing, robe or blanket to keep you warm while you are waiting to plunge

Two medium sized towels (one to dry off with and one to stand on)

Clean, dry clothes and dry shoes to wear after plunging

A backpack to hold everything

Team outfits or costumes (optional but it makes it even more festive and fun!)

Team mascot, flag or banners to show your team spirit

Leave valuables at home. (We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.)

Make your Plunge your own - dip your toes, go ankle deep or go full immersion It’s your Plunge!

Event info Pre-register with $10 online by visiting WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG, then click on the REGISTER button. Create a fundraising page and start fundraising to meet the $75 Plunge registration fee. All registered Polar Bears will receive a cool Plunge hoodie sweatshirt!

GO FOR THE COLD AND TAKE THE PLUNGE!

DATE: Sunday, February 5, 2017PLUNGE TIME: 1:00pm

Plunge Day happenings:- Music, mascots, costumed characters ... the boardwalk will be THE place to be!

- Special incentives for different fundraising levels

- Spread the Word to End the Word kickoff campaign at the boardwalk. Pledge and Plunge to help raise awareness and acceptance for Special Olympics athletes.

- Form a team and show your polar spirit!

The team that recruits the most Polar Bears -OR- raises the most donations will be recognized and awarded a prize (Note: recognition is done post-event!)

QUESTIONS? Please contact:

Corinne Plummer at cplummer@udel.edu

or call 302-831-4796

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POLAR BEAR PLUNGEFUNDRAISING TIPS AND

SUPPORT MATERIALS

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SAMPLE PLUNGE DONATION REQUEST LETTER and/or EMAIL

Dear ___________________,

I am writing to ask for your help. On February 5, 2017, I have committed to grin and “bear” it for the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware by taking a chilly dip alongside hundreds of other warm-hearted people at Rehoboth Beach.

I know – you’re probably getting cold just thinking about it! But the cold that I will feel is temporary … the positive impact this will have on the lives of thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities will last a lifetime.

I have set a personal fundraising goal of $________ , and I need your help to reach it! I’m not asking you to take the Plunge alongside me, but instead, I am asking if you will make a donation to Special Olympics Delaware to sponsor my 2017 Plunge. Any amount would be appreciated because it all goes to a wonderful cause! (And if you would like to plunge with me, I welcome you to join in the fun!)

In order to support my Plunge, please make your check payable to “Special OlympicsDelaware” and I will collect your pledge donation.

If you want to learn more about this spectacular winter event, visit WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG to find out all the chilly details. Think warm thoughts for me as February 5 approaches. I will do my best to honor my “Pledge to Freeze” and make my supporters proud!

Thank you!!!

____________________________________

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COOL IDEAS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

How to Raise $150 in 7 Days

FUNDRAISING TIPS

Who to Ask Total PerDay

Grand Total

Send an e-mail to three friends asking for a $10 pledge (OR challenge them to take the Plunge with you).

$30 $30

Send an e-mail to your three favorite relatives asking for a $10 pledge. $30 $60

Ask one parent and one sibling for $10 each. Your birthday and/or favorite holiday is right around the corner!

$20 $80

Ask two neighbors for $10 each. $20 $100

Ask five people at your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, tavern or hang-out spot for $5. $25 $125

After cooking a nice meal, ask your significant other or best friend for a $15 donation. $15 $140

Add a personal contribution of $10. $10 $150

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FUNDRAISING TIPSHow to Raise $500 in 10 Days

Who to Ask Total PerDay

Grand Total

Sponsor yourself for $25.$25 $25

Ask three family members to each match your personal donation of $25. $75 $100

Ask your best friend to sponsor you for $25.$25 $125

Ask your boss for a company contribution for $25, or better yet, see if they will match the entire amount you raise!

$25 $150

Ask five local friends to sponsor you for $10 each. $50 $200

Ask five out-of-town friends to sponsor you for $10 each. $50 $250

Ask five businesses you frequent (barber, salon, restaurant, dentist, etc.) to sponsor you for $10 each.

$50 $300

Ask five co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each. $50 $350

Ask five neighbors to sponsor you for $10 each. $50 $400

Ask 10 people from your church/temple/social club/etc. to sponsor you for $10 each. $100 $500

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cool ideas to raise funds for the plunge!

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How can you fundraise to support yourPolar Bear Plunge team?

Be sure to gain approval, if necessary, from your business adminstration prior to any group fundraising event.

● Make that Change or Miracle Minute: Designate a specific week, day or minute for participants to collect as much change as possible - make it a competiton!

● Business Dress Down Day: Organize a dress down day where you pay a nominal fee to wear casual clothing for the day.

● Bake Sale: Sell baked goods during lunches or at a sporting event.

● Snack Bar: Purchase snacks in bulk at Costco or BJs to sell in the break room/lounge or at a sporting event. Healthy snacks can be very popular -OR- make it fun and sell ice cream to get people in the polar-inspired spirit.

● Fun Challenge: Ask your co-workers or colleagues to commit to a fun challenge (i.e.: pie in the face, shave their head) if your team raise a certain amount of money.

● Utilize Websites: Ask for support by posting your team’s page on your company or business website.

● Local Business Sponsorship: Is there a business or restaurant in the area that you frequently attend? Ask for a donation to support your team members who are taking the plunge.

● 50/50: Hold a 50/50 at a large event or where the winning ticket holder receives half of the funds raised. Your plunge team receives the other half.

● Raffle: Sell tickets to win a coveted item (ie, a front row parking space, a donated lunch, or any other valued item … the options are endless!)

● Freezin’ for a Reason Donation Cards (next page): Sell donation cards at events to make your path to the plunge. All donation cards can be hung around your lobby or entrance to show your team’s progress.G

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Sample Announcementfor the Polar Bear Plunge

Note: this announcement is simply a sample and can be modified and changed to best suit your team. It can be shared both verbally

(ie, announcements made at a staff meeting) or written (ie, in a workplace newsletter).

It’s the coolest event of the year – the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware! Individuals from across the great state of Delaware and beyond will be hitting the beach on Sunday, February 5, 2017, showing off both their spirit and support for the 4,000 athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.

Let the fun begin and be a part of the (insert team name) team as we enjoy all the chills and thrills of the Polar Bear Plunge!

Please contact (insert team captain’s name and contact information) for more information.

Thank you.

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SOCIAL MEDIA TIPSSocial media can have a large impact on your fundraising efforts!

Check out these tips on how to use social media before, during and after the Plunge!

FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAMMake posts about everything related to being part of a team at the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge! Let everyone know how you are “Going for the Cold” and supporting our Special Olympics Delaware athletes!

Use #PlungeDE or #GoForTheCold when you are using social media ... don’t forget to add photos and videos to make your Plunge stand out!

Here are some additional fun messages to include:

“I’m freezin’ for a reason for the 2017 #PlungeDE to support Special Olympics Delaware!”

“Help me raise awareness for Special Olympics Delaware athletes - join me and #GoForTheCold at the 2017 #PlungeDE”

“Today I challenged myself to raise $100 for #PlungeDE and the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware. Help me reach my goal and donate to my Plunge page - thank you!”

SNAPCHATLook for the official Plunge Snapchat filter on Plunge Day! Let’s make it fun and tell the world you’re at the 2017 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Delaware!

#GoForTheCold #PlungeDE

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LOGO USAGE GUIDELINESOfficial policy regarding usage of the Special Olympics logo

and other Intellectual Property

Please note:

The Special Olympics Delaware logo and Polar Plunge logo are registered trademarks of Special Olympics and may not be used by third-parties without prior written authorization by Special Olympics Delaware.

Use of these logos in apparel or merchandise is strictly prohibited. Official Polar Bear Plunge merchandise will be available at the event from Feb. 3-5, 2017, while supplies last. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Delaware.

Thank you for helping us maintain our responsibility to our organizational brand. If you have any further questions on our logo usage policy, please contact: info@sode.org.

www.plungede.org www.sode.org