An exclusive plunge for our unified champions schools
Total Raised
$1,245
Total Plungers:52
What is the cool school polar plunge?
An exclusive plunge for our unified champions schools
The Cool School Polar Plunge is a unique fundraising opportunity exclusively for Unified Champion Schools. Students and staff fundraise to help support Special Olympics and earn money for their school. In the process, participants can attain awesome incentives and jump into freezing cold water in our very own Plungster. The plunge can be turned into a friendly school based competition among student groups/teams or challenge neighboring schools to join. Don’t want to take the plunge, you can still participate in the fun as a Frozen Fan.
This one-of-a-kind event is about building school pride and celebrating inclusion. Whether you take the jump or cheer from the sidelines, you will be making a splash for a great cause.
INCENTIVES
$300-499
$150-$299
$50-$149
$10-$49
Incentive items will be redeemed by plungers at the event. Any higher-level incentive item (for raising $1,000+) will be redeemed via redemption link after the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Only school staff/students can take part in Cool School Polar Plunges. Unfortunately, parents and community members are not able to Plunge. You are welcome to invite surrounding schools students and staff to participate if you wish.
Where does the money go?
All Cool School Plunge money goes directly towards supporting Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools in Michigan, plus some of the money goes directly back to the school hosting the plunge. All of the money raised stays right here in Michigan to help continue to grow Unified programming in schools and to support Special Olympics athletes across the state.
What should we do with cash or check donations?
We prefer if you do not add these donations to your fundraising page and instead either mail the donation, or hold onto it until the day of the plunge at check-in! This helps more money go directly to your school’s total as our fundraising platform charges fees. Please include your Cool School Name ex: “Howell Cool School” on the memo or on a note with cash.
You can make checks payable to/send to:
Special Olympics Michigan
Attn: Ted Grossnickle
1150 Scott Lake Road – Suite 3a
Waterford, MI 48328
What if we don’t hit our goal?
We understand things don’t always go as planned! If fundraising is lower than the cost it will take us to host the event, we reserve the right to cancel as this is a fundraising event to support the growth of Unified Champion Schools.
How long does the plunge take?
On average, we guestimate about 30 minutes for every 100 plungers! Super speedy – no one is hanging out in the freezing water for too long 🙂
What should I bring to plunge?
A costume to plunge in (encouraged, but not required), a towel, a warm change of clothes, a plastic bag for your wet clothes, shoes to plunge in, and any extra cash/check donations.
Can I sign up the day of the plunge?
No, all registration ends 48 hours prior to the plunge. Parent consent is required for anyone under the age of 18 years.
How deep is the Plungester?
4 feet deep
How cold is the water?
Typically the water is about 40 degrees!
Is there anyone to help me out of the water?
Yes, there will be Dive and Rescue team members in the Plungester to help you out of the water if needed.
Can I fundraise and earn incentives without taking the plunge?
Yes, you do not have to take the plunge if you register – just come get your incentives at check in and cheer on your peers!
What are the fundraising incentives?
Click HERE to see the fundraising incentives for the 2026 Cool School plunges
When do I receive my incentives?
You will receive your incentives upon check-in at the event. Incentives earned are based on the amount of money received in the Plungers account at the time of check-in.
$10+ Sticker Sheet
$50+ T Shirt
$150-$299 Beanie
$300-$499 Portable JBL Bluetooth Speaker
$500+ All items
How can I see a list of students from my school who have registered?
Scroll to the bottom of your Classy page and you will see “Top Fundraisers” if you click “View All” you will be able to see everyone registered
How big is the plungester?
Big! 34 feet long including the tongue, 12 feet wide with steps extended, and just under 11 feet high. The weight with water is approximately 21,679 pounds!!
What should I consider when picking where we should hold the plunge?
On level, sturdy ground (your parking lot!) where there will be enough room for us to tow the plungester on a truck! We will also have a small semi truck that carries the water and fills the plungester that we will need room for as well! Consider if there is enough space for a flow of plungers to get in and out & that there is somewhere close by for students to go change into dry clothes without getting the school all wet!
How does my school become a Cool School Host?
Email cathy.burr@somi.org to receive more information on how your school can be considered as a host site for the 2026 Cool School Plunges
WIll work on updating the incentives portion of the website as soon as we get the new logo.
Still have
Questions?
Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Email Cathy Burr
cathy.burr@somi.org
Want to host your own event at your school?
You can register your plungers, and we’ll send a Cool School Plunge Kit to any schools that raise $500+ by Feb. 10th, complete with sprinkler and slip-n-slide OR an assortment of blow-up kiddie pools; the choice is yours on how you’d like to be bold and get cold to support Special Olympics Michigan!
We’ll send the shirts and incentives for plungers directly to you, and we will coordinate pick-up of any fundraised money turned-in the day of the event.
