By Yvonne Lawson

Photos by Jeff Hughes

Each year, thousands of warm-hearted participants plunge into the ice-cold water at Sandy Point Park to raise awareness and funding for the Special Olympics of Maryland (SOMD). In January, the 16th Annual Polar Bear Plunge was celebrated over two days, including multiple plunges into the chilly waters of Chesapeake, and a benefit concert by the popular band, Fuel. Beginning on “Frigid Friday,” Jan. 27, local school teams and a local police team took the first plunge, followed by the Super Plunge and the Pee-Wee Plunge. The main plunge events began on Saturday, with a Family Plunge at 11:00am and two other plunges at 1:00 and 3:00pm. The day also included PlungeFest, a free winter festival open to the community and featuring local vendors for all ages.

For children attending PlungeFest, there were several attractions solely for children, like the Carnival FunFest tent and the Astro Events Kids Zone. Likewise, adults could enjoy spa treatments from massages to teeth whitening at the Robert Andrew Salon & Spa area or visit the Rams Head Ice Lodge and Beer Garden. A line-up of live music including local favorites such as Sticktime, Hot Tub Limo, and The Rovers joined in, as well as headliners Fuel.

"My family and I have been coming to this event for the past four years," said Donna Day. "It is such a fun event for the whole family and it is supporting a great cause. My children look forward to it, despite the cold. But I also make sure they understand the importance of coming to this event."

Beginning in 1997, the Polar Bear Plunge kicked off with 350 plungers that raised $75,000 for the first year. The concept behind the event was the brainchild of Special Olympics Delaware and then passed along to the SOMD. Since the initial year, the event has had approximately 72,000 plungers and has raised a total of $19.1 million. Serving as one of the largest fundraisers in Maryland, the Polar Bear Plunge raises funds that benefit SOMD.

"Each year we hold the Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point Park, and for 16 years this event has donated millions of dollars to Special Olympics of Maryland," said Vice President of Public Relations and Communication Kelley Schniedwind. "Last year we raised about $2.8 million with an estimated $2.2 million this year. We have an estimated 14,300 plungers this year, and an estimated 30,000 attendees."

With such numbers in attendance at the event, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement, with the sounds of live music and plunging whistles filling the air. Families with children were there in abundance. Plungers received free food and enjoyed different vendors who set up booths along the beach that offered free goods and services.

“This was my first year plunging,” said Rachel Miller, 19, who attended the event in previous years, but never plunged. “I was anxious to enter the water; I was afraid it was going to be really cold,” she added, and admits, “It was cold, but not as cold as I expected.” Miller attended the event with her friends, and plans to return next year.

This year’s Polar Bear Plunge was not just a success for Special Olympics of Maryland, but was also for the local community; a great sense of unity and thankfulness was present among all involved in the charitable event.

To see another photo gallery of the Plunge, click here!