SOMO News
RELEASE: SOMO preps for 17th Annual Maryland Heights Polar Plunge
MARYLAND HEIGHTS – The 17th Annual Maryland Heights Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18. Brave men and women from around the area will don disco-themed costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Creve Coeur Lake. Their Reason for Freezin’. . . the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO)! All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit training and competition for the thousands of SOMO athletes across the state, including right here in the St. Louis Metro Area.
The Polar Plunge is open to anyone 10 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. The event is hosted by the Maryland Heights Police Department and the Hazelwood Police Department. It will take place at Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave. Maryland Heights, MO. Day-of registration begins at 11 a.m., and the Plunge starts promptly at 1 p.m.
“It’s exciting to see the community come together to support our athletes,” Plunge Coordinator Kellen Wolters said.
In 2022, Maryland Heights Polar Plungers raised over $59,000 for SOMO athletes. Each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to take the Plunge and can earn incentives by reaching fundraising goals. This year’s goal is $80,000 and organizers hope to break the million-dollar mark across the state with 10 events.
Costumes are highly encouraged. Awards will be given in the following categories to pre-registered Plungers only:
- Top Law Enforcement Fundraiser
- Top School Fundraiser
- Top Community Fundraiser
Golden Plunger Awards for the most creative costumes will also be presented in the Law Enforcement, School and Community categories.
No wet suits are allowed, and shoes are required.
The easiest and most efficient way to register and fundraise is online! Simply go to this link to sign up and email your friends and family to support your Plunge. Paper registration forms are also available at the SOMO St. Louis Metro Area office. Mail or deliver pre-registration forms and the minimum $75 contribution to Special Olympics Missouri Plunge 2945 S. Brentwood Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63144.
Plunging participants will receive an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt, bragging rights for freezing your fur off, and a Plunger meal. Participants can also receive incentives for reaching fundraising goals: $250 – Beanie, $500 – Robe, $1,000 – Speaker and $2,000 – Fleece Zip-up jacket and beanie.
SOMO is lucky to have a dedicated Plunge Ambassador helping with this event. Our Plunge Ambassador for this year’s Plunge is Jessica Bush. She is a SOMO athlete, and she has been working for months to help spread awareness of the Plunge!
Maryland Heights Polar Plunge sponsors include: Premiere Rentals and Fox 2/KPLR 11
For more information about the Polar Plunge, please contact Kellen Wolters at (314) 961-7755 or email wolters@somo.org.
PLEASE NOTE: The Maryland Heights Polar Plunge is separate from the Lake Saint Louis Plunge. The 20th Annual Lake Saint Louis Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4. This event is hosted by the Lake Saint Louis, Wentzville, St. Charles County and O’Fallon Police Departments. It will take place at the Lake Saint Louis Community Association. For more information, click here.
Special Olympics Missouri
Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 16 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. SOMO provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.
SOMO is proud of our financial health, returning 78% of every dollar back to program services. We are privileged to be recognized with these honors: Better Business Bureau A+ Charity Accreditation, Guidestar Gold Level and Charity Navigator 4-star rating. Special Olympics was also recently named Morning Consult’s No. 4 most trusted nonprofit.
Thank you for trusting us with your donations, volunteer time and your goodwill.
Visit Special Olympics Missouri at www.somo.org. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
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