|
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
PLUNGER
INFORMATION
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING
TEAM INFORMATION
SPECTATORS
--Back to the
Top--
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
Q: What is the
Polar Plunge?
A: The Polar Plunge is an icy dip into the frigid waters of
Montana and is a fun and exciting way to
support Special Olympics. Over
$200,000 is raised each year in Montana
with hundreds of brave souls making a
splash! It's primarily organized,
promoted, and conducted by law
enforcement through their affiliation
with the Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ to
benefit SOMT.
Q: Where
does the money go?
A: Proceeds from the Polar Plunge go
directly to Special Olympics Montana.
60% of the net funds benefit local
Special Olympics Montana athletes
while 40% of the net funds raised
support Special Olympics Montana
year-round sports training and
competition.
It's a myth that some of the money
is earmarked for hypothermia
research.
Q: Who can participate in the
Polar Plunge?
A: Anyone who is in good health can participate in the Polar
Plunge. Plungers will need to
raise at least the minimum amount in
order to earn the "privilege" to
plunge. Plungers under 18 years
old will need a Plunge
waiver
signed by their parent/guardian.
Q: What is the minimum amount that I need to raise to participate?
A: Individual Plungers need to raise at least $100-$125. Participants raising higher amounts are eligible for greater incentives.
The more you raise, the more you get!
All money raised benefits Special
Olympics Montana athletes!
Q:
Isn't this risky?
A: We
want only people in good health to
participate as Plungers. No one with
heart disease may plunge. We have
personnel in the water at all times
and medical personnel and ambulances
are present. The actual plunge is a
jump into icy water only to chest
deep and quickly returning back to
dry land. Swimming is optional.
There are warming
facilities and/or a hot tub available.
Q: Are Plungers crazy to do this?
A:
It helps! But remember, our Plungers
are doing this to benefit Special
Olympics Montana athletes. If you're
not into winter water sports, then
give generously when a plunger asks
for your pledge and donation; and be
sure to show up and cheer them on.
Q: How do I
register for the Polar Plunge?
A: The easiest way is to
Register On-Line
at
www.firstgiving.com/somt.
Then click
"Get Started".
Registration will also be accepted at
the Plunge or during one of the Plunge
Packet Pick-Up Days. You may also
download the
Registration Form and mail to
Special Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401
--Back to the
Top--
PLUNGER INFORMATION
Q: Where/how do I turn in my
pledges on Plunge day?
A: Any pledges you have can be turned in at the Registration area on Plunge Day. This includes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card donations are also accepted at Registration.
You can also turn in your pledges during one of the Plunge Packet
Pick-Up Days (see
individual plunge for date and location).
All pledges need to be collected before Plunge Day.
Q: What prizes are available to participants who raise more than the minimum $100?
A: Each plunge has their own set of incentives. Visit each
individual
plunge website to see what
incentives are available. Within two weeks after the plunge,
visit
www.somt.org to order your
incentive item.
Q: How far do I have to go into the water?
A: There is no pressure to fully submerge yourself. We leave it up to the comfort level of the individual participant. Some choose to go all the way under, while others
just dip their big toe! They are all Plungers in our book!
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. Over the years, many young children have participated quite safely and we defer to the parents on what makes the most sense for their family. Remember, Plunging can mean dipping a hand or a big toe, which is plenty of cold water for a little one!
Q: Is there someplace where I can change before and/or after the Plunge?
A: For the comfort of our Plungers, we provide large changing
areas for Men and Women. These are located near the Plunge-Zone. Please note that neither the event committee nor Special Olympics Montana are responsible for personal belongings left inside the
changing area that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk.
Q: What should I wear to the Plunge?
A: Pretty much whatever you want, within the following guidelines:
-
No wetsuits or
drysuits allowed.
-
Wearing shoes is strongly encouraged – the
ground is very cold and this will go a long way towards increasing your comfort.
-
Costumes are
encouraged but remember bulky materials can be dangerous to the wearer.
-
Choose your
plunge-attire knowing that you will be cold and your fingers
will possibly be numb, so loose-fitting and easy off clothes are
best.
-
Bring a robe,
blankets, towels or jackets to wear while waiting to plunge.
-
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
area.
Q: Can Plungers wear a wetsuit?
A:
Gee, that question is asked a lot
and the answer is absolutely not.
It takes real men, women, and
high school students (yes, we have
great youth who raise money) to do
this.
Q: I am a first-time Plunger. Can you tell me what I should expect when I arrive?
A: The most fun you’ll ever have in the water in the middle
of winter! You should expect a large crowd and lots of energy.
If you haven’t already picked up your Plunge packet, you will want to head directly to the Registration
Area to check-in. You will need to
check-in as early as possible so that the Registration Team may
process you in time for the plunge.
There are changing areas on-site to
change into your plunge-attire.
You will need to proceed to the
Plunge-Zone approximately 15-minutes
before the plunge is to begin.
Be sure to check out these informative
First-Time Plunger Tips
for more great information. If you still have questions, please feel free to email us at
tsappington@somt.org or call
(800) 242-6876.
Q: Can I view photos
of the event?
A: We have secured photographers to
capture the plunge on film. All
photos will be posted to
www.somt.smugmug.com as soon
as we receive them at Special Olympics
Montana. You can view, print,
download and share your 15-minutes of
fame.
Q: I am TOO CHICKEN
to participate, can I still join in on
the fun?
A: No problem! You can still be a
part of the fun! Simply
register as a
Chicken, raise pledges and
receive incentives just like a regular
plunger - except NO going into the icy
water.
Q: Can I show off my
best swan dive during the Plunge?
A: Absolutely NOT! Safety is our
number one concern. The water is
shallow and there are divers in the
water.
Q: When I
checked-in, my incentive item was not
available. How do I order my
incentive?
A: While we try
to order enough incentives to supply all
plungers; we cannot always guarantee
they will be on hand. If you do
not receive your official plunge
incentive the day of the plunge, they
will be available for pick up
afterwards. Within two weeks after
the plunge, you will need to visit
www.somt.org
to order your item. You may
also order any
additional incentives you may have earned.
You will be contacted via e-mail as to
when and where you may pick up your
incentive(s).
Q: How do I get the
incentives that I earned?
A: Within two weeks after the plunge,
visit
www.somt.org to order your
incentive item. Special Olympics Montana will verify the
amount you raised and send the order to
the vendor. You will be contacted
via e-mail as to when and where you may
pick up your incentive(s).
--Back to the
Top--
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Q: Where do I
register for the Polar Plunge?
A: The easiest way is to
Register On-Line
at
www.firstgiving.com/somt.
Then click
"Get Started".
Registration will also be accepted at
the Plunge or during one of the Plunge
Packet Pick-Up Days. You may also
download the
Registration Form and mail to
Special Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401
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. If you paid the minimum $100 contribution to Special Olympics Montana, we appreciate the donation, as do the
2,000 SOMT athletes who will benefit from the funds raised at the
Polar Plunge. Because it is a charitable contribution, it is non-refundable even if you are unable to participate.
Q: Can I turn in my money and pick up my Plunge packet early so that I don’t have to wait in line on Plunge Day?
A: Yes! SOMT is now offering Plunge Packet Pick-Up Days. Anyone is welcome to stop by during the times listed
and turn in Plunge donations and pick up their Plunge packet.
Plunge Packet Pick-Up Hours for each plunge will be noted on their
respective webpage.
--Back to the
Top--
DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING
Q: How do I collect pledges?
A: Download the
Pledge Form and solicit pledges
from family, friends, neighbors and
co-workers. Then create an on-line
personal fundraising webpage. Visit
www.firstgiving.com/somt and
click "Get Started". Then email
additional friends and family asking
them to support you by donating to
your personal fundraising webpage.
It's fast and easy! Plungers must
collect all pledges before the
plunge and bring them to Plunge
Registration/Check-In. All on-line
donations are sent directly to
Special Olympics Montana.
Q: Who should checks be made out to?
A: Checks should be made out to Special Olympics Montana, which can also be abbreviated as “SOMT”.
Please include in the memo area of the check the
name of the Plunge and the Plunger’s name that is to be credited.
Q: How can I make a donation without using my credit card online?
A: Donations are accepted in all forms, so donors who do not wish to use the online system can do one of the following:
Call us at
(800) 242-6876 and make a donation via the phone using a major credit card
Make a donation in check form and mail it to:
Special
Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59405
We do ask that any donations made in this manner clearly indicate the exact name of the
Plunge and the Plunger that the contribution should be credited to. If that information is not included, the donation will not be credited to any specific individual, but will instead be entered as a general donation.
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 Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59405
Please be sure that the name of the
Plunge and the Plunger that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
Q: I/my team raised funds for the Plunge but I was/we were unable to attend. What should I/we do with the money I/we raised?
A: In every case that we have ever been asked this, Plunge participants find that their donors still want their contribution to go to SOMT so we encourage you to send the money in. Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to:
Special
Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59405
Please be sure that the name of the
Plunge and the Plunger that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
Q: I already went through Plunge Packet Pick-Up/Registration, but I have a few more donations that people have given me. Since I am already registered, do I still turn these in at Registration, or somewhere else at the event?
A: All donations should be turned in at Registration, even if you already went through Packet Pick-Up. A registration volunteer will collect the additional funds and that amount will be added to your event total post-Plunge.
Q: Does Special Olympics Montana issue refunds?
A: Charitable contributions are non-refundable. 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: Plunge participants can enter donations themselves, and those amounts will appear in real time in your fundraising scroll. To do this, simply log into your personal webpage
at
www.firstgiving.com/somt and enter
in as "offline donation".
Q: Is there a pledge form that I can download in order to give to people who might want to sponsor me?
A: Yes! The pledge form is located on our website (www.somt.org), and you can
click here to access and print it.
Q: My company offers matching gifts. If I get my personal contribution to the Plunge matched, does that count towards my fundraising total and how do I go about getting credit for it?
A: Yes, that is an excellent way to raise additional funds on behalf of your Plunge. All you need to do is complete a request with your employer. They will have us verify your donation and will send us the matching funds -- usually within 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Q: Will donors to my Plunge effort automatically receive a receipt or do I need to request them?
A: Special Olympics Montana automatically generates donation receipts for all donors who made contributions of $250 or more, and we have complete and accurate contact information for (name, mailing address). Donation acknowledgements for contributions received in our office are generally mailed within 60 days of receipt. However, you can request receipts by contacting us at
tsappington@somt.org or calling
(800) 242-6876.
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. They are located in the
Plunge Tool-Kit.
Q: How do I raise
$100 in One Week?
A: The number one rule in fundraising is
- just ask! Don't be afraid to ask
and don't take rejections personally.
Not everyone can donate, simply go on to
the next person.
Start your fundraising by making a
personal donation. It's more
convincing to others that you believe in
what you are doing if you sponsor
yourself. Next create a list of
people to ask. Don't forget your
friends, family, co-workers, neighbors,
your company, service clubs, businesses
you patronize, hairdresser, vendors and
more.... Now start asking! Tell
them what you are doing and why you are
doing it.
|
Sunday |
Make a personal donation |
$10 |
|
Monday |
Ask significant other or
best friend |
$10 |
|
Tuesday |
Ask 2 relatives for $10 each |
$20 |
|
Wednesday |
Ask 2 friends for $10 each |
$20 |
|
Thursday |
Ask 2 co-workers for $10
each |
$20 |
|
Friday |
Ask 2 neighbors for $10 each |
$20 |
|
Saturday |
Celebrate your
accomplishment |
|
| |
Total |
$100 |
--Back to the
Top--
TEAM INFORMATION
Q: How many Plungers
do I need to form a team?
A: You can be a team of one or a team of
a hundred. For safety reasons,
your entire team may not be able to
plunge at one time. The number of
plungers that will jump in together will
be determined that day by the plunge
organizers.
Q: Can I join/change teams once I have registered?
A: Yes! This needs to be done on the administrative side of
FirstGiving though, so in order request such a change, please email
tsappington@somt.org with following info:
-
Name of Plunge
-
Participant’s first and last name
-
The exact name of the team you wish to join
-
If applicable, the team you currently belong to
You may also call
Special Olympics Montana at (800) 242-6876 to make the change.
Q: What is the minimum amount that my team needs to raise?
A: Every team member must raise a minimum of $100-$125. If
you have a team of 5, you will need to raise $500-$625. Earn
Top Team by raising more funds!
Q: Can general donations made to our team be split up among team members to give each member the minimum contribution?
A: Yes. We are aware that in some cases a family member or a company will issue one check that is intended to cover multiple team members.
You will need to note which contributions are to be distributed
among the team.
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. Visit each individual
Plunge webpage to
see what flyers are available. Please contact Special Olympics
Montana at
tsappington@somt.org or
(800) 242-6876 to request assistance.
Q: How do I
Register/Check-In my team?
A: Any pledges the team has
collected can be turned in at the
Registration area on Plunge Day.
You can also turn in your team pledges
during one of the Plunge Packet Pick-Up
Days (see
individual plunge for date and location).
Each individual team member may check in
individually or the Team Captain may
collect all pledge forms, pledges and
signed waivers for each team member and
turn them in. All pledges need to be collected before Plunge Day.
--Back to the
Top--
SPECTATORS
Q: As a spectator, where is the best place to watch the Plunge?
A: Spectators are welcome to stand along the outside of the official “Plunge Zone” in order to watch the action; however, they will not be allowed entry into 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.
Photos will also be posted at
www.somt.smugmug.com.
Q: Why can’t my family/friends go down to the water with me when I Plunge?
A: For the safety of all participants, spectators are not allowed to enter the Plunge Zone. We know this is disappointing for supporters who want to see the action up close, but these crowds of spectators create a hazardous situation for Plungers who are trying to enter and exit the water quickly, only to find that they are being blocked – or worse, pushed back – by a large group of enthusiastic onlookers.
One exception to this policy is that parents and chaperones of minors age 15 and under will be
allowed into the Plunge Zone.
Q: Is there any charge to get into the event if I am just coming to cheer on a Plunge participant?
A: No! Spectators are welcome to the event free of charge.
But feel free to
make a general donation on behalf of all of the brave souls
taking the plunge.
--Back to the
Top--
For additional information,
contact:
Terri Sappington
LETR Coordinator
Special Olympics Montana
(406) 216-5327
tsappington@somt.org
|
