On February 22, 2025, Seaside Heights, NJ hosted the 32nd annual, Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ). The weather cooperated, the beach was widened, and the plungers brought their excitement! Over 7,500 brave individuals took the plunge, united by their dedication to the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey. Their amazing efforts raised a combined amount of over $2.5 million! This incredible achievement demonstrates the unwavering commitment and support from the community.
This year we also offered a live streaming view of the plunge because there’s too many people on the beach to also allow spectators.
Events like this help fund sports training and competitions, health screenings, and so much more to the thousands of Special Olympics New Jersey athletes across the state without them having to spend a dime. Having a place to belong and make friends in a safe environment is so crucial for them and this is such a huge help for everyone!
Special thanks to those who went above and beyond with their fundraising efforts!
Top 3 Fundraising Individuals
1. Lou Castano – $30,85
2. David Coppola – $22,456
3. Brian Tobin – $15,147
Top 3 Fundraising Teams
1. 2nd Avenue Freeze-Out – $109,007
2. Bayshore Shrinky Dinks– $73,761
3. NJ Polar Penguins – $62,108
Whether you braved the cold weather and freezing waters of the Atlantic, donated, volunteered, or worked the event – SONJ thanks you for your efforts! We hope you’ll continue to support the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey, especially next year when we do it all again!
So well organized! Great job and fun for Great cause..be proid