Special Olympics New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge 2012

Last year I was approached by a friend who had a crazy idea: to jump into the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter. The crazier part was that I accepted her challenge. A year has passed and I will be doing the exact same thing next weekend.

Okay, so we're not just doing this for the fun of it (though it is fun in a sick and twisted way). We are helping to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey - an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. They allow for opportunities for these individuals to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. To learn more about Special Olympics New Jersey, click HERE.

The Plunge takes place Saturday, February 25th at 1PM in Seaside Heights and although it has been a mild winter, we are not expecting the water to be kind.

Before taking the Plunge, teams are formed. I am a member of the Chilly Willies and as you can see from our picture from last year's event, we are an eclectic bunch of polar bears. A relative rookie, this will be only my 2nd plunge, but the Willies have been going strong for years and I am proud to be part of their group. Our current team goal is to raise $2000, which means each team member must raise $200. This is where YOU come in!

If you aren't feeling bold enough to jump into the frigid ocean waters, you can still help by donating to the Chilly Willies HERE. You can also make a General Donation HERE. Every bit counts and it all goes toward a GREAT cause.

For anyone interested in participating in the Plunge you can register HERE. And don't forget to come out and support all of the plungers on Saturday, February 25th in Seaside Heights!

Also be sure to check back post-Plunge, as I will be taking plenty of pictures!

Good luck to all of the Polar Bears out there!