49th Annual Penguin Plunge to Support RI Special Olympics!!

Hey everyone! We've been hoping to add some charity/volunteering events in 2025, so we figured why not start the year off with a splash. Ok...sorry that was a cheap pun. Seriously though, let's try something different and raise some money for a good cause!

RI Special Olympics likely needs no introduction. The national organization is of course known for organizing sporting events for disabled athletes allowing them to compete in a fun and inclusive environment. However, what is lesser known is Special Olympics' other commitments to the disabled community. The organization shines a spotlight on the healthcare gap between the general public and those with intellectual disabilities (ID) who, according to their website, are often denied services and die an average of 16 years earlier than the general population. Additionally, the Special Olympics runs many outreach programs with schools and universities throughout the nation, and also focus on fostering leadership within the community.

I'm sure many of you already know about polar plunges, but just incase I'll explain. We're basically going to run into the ocean on New Years Day and torturing ourselves for a good cause haha There will likely be hundreds of people doing it along side us, so we can at least bond in our agony together haha The proceeds of donations and registrations will go towards RI Special Olympics!

This year our meetup has decided to form a team! We even made up our own logo to look more official haha I'll post our link below for everyone to join. If you'd like to join me in taking the plunge, it's a $25.00 registration. Make sure you select the 12:00pm plunge since we'll do the larger event. If you don't want to jump in the water, feel free to swing by to cheer us on. I believe you can donate any amount if you want to just support and watch on. Of course, with inflation and the holidays money can be tight this time of year. If you want to just come and watch without donating, that would be great!

We've decided to open this event up to anyone. If you have family/friends/coworkers you think would want to plunge or watch you take the plunge, feel free to invite them along. They don't have to be a member to join us for this event :) Any donation would be appreciated but again not at all required.

We don't have a hard goal for raising funds, whatever we can manage is fantastic big or small.

This is going to be my (Eddie's) first time doing the plunge, so we are going in blind. My guess is there will be changing stations for us to get into our bathing suits and change back after. Make sure to bring warm clothes, a bathing suit, and a towel.

It's likely going to be crazy in the area if the event is as big as the picture from last year is any indication, so I can't guarantee we'll be able to find anywhere to regroup after. If we can, maybe we can find a spot to grab a drink out of the cold after.

Then of course, there's the legal stuff sorry. If you choose to attend this event you are doing so on your own volition, and will not hold the meetup or its host(s) liable for any injuries, damages, etc. you may incur. The shock of the cold is a concern for those of us with medical conditions. You'll also agree to similar waiver with Special Olympics when you register.

Anyway, let's have some fun for a good cause! For those of us who go out for New Years Eve it will be one hell of a way to shake our hangovers haha

Please reach out to the host(s) if you have any questions! Thanks!

https://app.giveffect.com/teams/23585-20-s-30-s-life-after-college