Lewes Polar Bear Plunge raises more than $900,000 for Special Olympics Delaware
Jessica BiesAt a chilly 39 degrees Fahrenheit, the water was just above freezing Sunday as thousands of people splashed in the surf at Rehoboth Beach for the 28th annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge.
The event raises money for Special Olympics Delaware, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
More than 3,500 people registered for this year's plunge, according to the nonprofit. They raised more than $906,000.
“Our polar bears continue to support this fabulous event year after year,” said Ann Grunert, Executive Director of Special Olympics Delaware. “And they also continue to recruit their friends to join them. This event truly is family-friendly, and the perfect way to give back to the community and support such a worthy cause.”
The Plunge, held every year on the first Sunday in February, began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $11 million.
Wawa was the lead sponsor of the event for the 13th consecutive year and on Sunday, gave away free coffee and hot chocolate.
In addition to its support at the event, leading up to and for a few weeks afterward, change collected in Wawa's special coin canisters — located at the registers — will benefit Special Olympics Delaware.
“All of us at Wawa are proud to support the inspiring athletes of Special Olympics and honor the heroes who have and will continue to change the game,” said Wawa Sr. Director of Store Operations for Delaware Adam Schall.
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Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.