FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have a question that is not listed, or would like more information on something, please send us a message at events@vtso.org
All plungers MUST review the 2026 Event Guide prior to Plunge! The event guide includes critical event information including: Check-in, maps and parking, plunge procedure, rules and reminders, FAQ, plunger discounts, and more!
Registered plungers will receive important emails from events@vtso.org regarding their fundraising status, details about plunge day, and more! We will also share important information regarding the Penguin Plunge on our social media!
Stay informed:
If you aren't receiving emails after registering send a message to events@vtso.org and we can help!
The Penguin Plunge is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising around 40% of our operating budget. Because of the funds raised, our athletes are able to participate in Special Olympics Vermont sports and competitions and other programs at no cost. We know it can look scary, but fundraising is made easier by engaging your community and collecting donations to meet your goals!
There is NO COMMITMENT for Cool Schools Plungers.
While the Penguin Plunge is a "Rain or Shine" event, Special Olympics Vermont reserves the right to cancel events due to inclement weather or other extreme circumstances. If a Plunge is cancelled, registration fees and donations will not be refunded.
There is no age requirement to participate in the Plunge. Children are allowed to Plunge at the discretion of their parent or guardian. Participants under the age of 18 are required to submit a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian in order to Plunge. Click here to sign the waiver Participants with health concerns should consult with their doctor prior to Plunging.
The easiest method is to visit the Penguin Plunge Event Page and click 'sign in' in the top right hand corner. Once you have signed in you can share your link, customize your page, and track your fundraising status.
Another easy method is to scroll to the bottom of the Penguin Plunge Event Page find "Plunge Leaderboard" and in the search bar search your name or the plunger you are looking for!
CLICK HERE to learn how to customize your page!
CLICK HERE for details on Penguin Plunge Check-In
When: Friday, Mar. 14th 3-7pm
Where: At our Penguin Plunge Expo at Hotel Champlain Adirondack Ballroom
How: Stop by the Penguin Plunge expo where you will collect your wristband, any incentives you have earned, sign any unsigned waivers, and turn in any offline donations! Then you can enjoy the expo, visiting vendors, collecting free swag and goodies, and enjoying fun and activities for all ages!
Yes! Checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Vermont and can be mailed or hand-delivered to our office at 16 Gregory Dr. Suite 2 South Burlington, VT, 05403. Please deliver cash donations in-person.
Include this completed offline donation form with any cash or check donations!
To donate to your Plunger ask them directly for their fundraising link OR:
1. Visit penguinplunge.org and click 'DONATE'.
2. Select which plunge they are participating in.
- Community Plunge or Cool Schools Plunge
3. On the donation checkout when it asks "Would you like to credit this donation to a specific fundraiser or team?" type in your plungers full name and complete your donation!
- Don't see their name? Try the other plunge (i.e. if you searched Cool Schools, try Community) If you still don't see their name, they may not be registered yet! Reach out to them to encourage them to get signed up!
Want to donate by check? Mail a check payable to Special Olympics Vermont and in the memo line write "Penguin Plunge - [name]" so we know who to credit it to!
If you have any questions or are having issues making a donation, send us a message at events@vtso.org
Yes! Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come cheer you on and enjoy the fun! We advise spectators to dress warmly and arrive early for the best viewing spots, sometimes spectating is colder than plunging!
Dunkin’ will be on site on Plunge Day with free hot chocolate and coffee, we encourage plungers and spectators to take advantage of Burlington following the plunge! Our friends at Foam Brewers will have a Plunge Beer on tap (must be 21+). Plungers can also find discounts at local restaurants, such as Vermont Pub and Brewery!