Annual fundraising series returns with 19 statewide events
This bucket-list event, now in its 26th year, challenges individuals and teams to make a difference to the lives of more than 19,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state by taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.
The 2025 Polar Plunge season is Jan. 31 through March 1 with 19 events across Indiana. More than 3,400 Plungers raised $1.16 million last year to benefit 19,000 athletes across the state.
The Polar Plunge weekend in Boonville kicks off Friday, Jan. 31, when area students gather at 10:30 a.m. at Scales Lake Beach to take the plunge in a schools-only event. The excitement continues Saturday, Feb. 1, with a community plunge starting at noon. Admission for spectators is free, and media members are welcome to all events. Shuttles will be available at St. Clement Social Hall to transport plungers and spectators to the beach.
As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising series, participants must raise at least $99 for the opportunity to plunge. Plungers who raise the minimum earn a commemorative Polar Plunge T-shirt and a cup. For those who reach higher fundraising levels, additional incentive prizes are available.
Additionally, the Super Plunger program recognizes the bravest souls with the warmest hearts. Those who raise $4,000 or more and plunge at two sites receive VIP treatment at the final event of the season as well as special fundraising prizes.
All funds raised during Polar Plunge events help ensure an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in the state’s sports, health, education and leadership programs at no cost. To date, the Polar Plunge has generated more than $12 million for Special Olympics Indiana.
The 2025 Polar Plunge series is brought to you by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Indiana and presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated. Thank you to our other top sponsors Duke Energy, Steel Dynamics and Taft. Additionally, individual events are supported locally by community organizations and businesses.