DONATING
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Special Olympics Montana is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our tax/EIN number is 81-0367064.
Will my donation help LOCAL Special Olympics Athletes?
The Polar Plunge is a Law Enforcement Torch Run event which means that all funds raised by the Plunge will be split between the local area and the Special Olympics Montana state office. 60% of funds raised by the plunge will stay in the local communities and 40% will go to the Special Olympics Montana state office to help with the cost of State Games, training, recruitment, accreditation and so much more.
Do I have to pay to Plunge?
The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event for Special Olympics Montana. Each Adult Plunger must raise a minimum of $125 to plunge. Youth/Students/Cool School Plungers must raise a minimum of $50 to plunge.
How much money does my team have to raise to Plunge?
Each Plunger must raise a minimum of $125 to participate. However, this can be a collective group effort. For example, if the minimum is $125 and you have 5 plungers on your team, you will need a minimum of $625.
Who should checks be written to?
“Special Olympics Montana” or “SOMT”
Are corporate matching gifts put towards my fundraising total?
Yes! As long as the matching gift is received by Special Olympics Montana prior to your Plunge, it will be added online to your fundraising total.
What do I do with my offline donations?
Please add offline donations on our pledge tracker sheets and bring them with you to the Plunge. Cash and check donations will be added to your fundraising total and corresponding incentive level. If you are not able to collect all your offline donations prior to your Plunge, you can mail in donations to (PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH):
Special Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401
How do I get a receipt for my offline donation?
Special Olympics Montana automatically generates receipts for any contribution of $50 or more, as long as we have the complete and accurate donor information (name & mailing address). All donors contributing online will automatically receive a donation receipt via email.
EVENT QUESTIONS
Where are the Polar Plunges held in MT?
Check out our website to see our current plunge host locations.
https://www.somt.org/torch-run/polar-plunge/
What do I wear to the Plunge?
You can wear whatever you want, as long as it’s appropriate! Many people like to dress up or coordinate costumes with their team members. Please note that Plungers must wear shoes at all times.
What should I bring to the Plunge?
– Towel. To dry off and warm up with!
– Old or waterproof shoes. All Plungers must wear shoes at all times.
– Plastic bag. To transport your wet clothes.
– Dry change of clothes. Don’t forget a dry pair of underwear & shoes!
– Another Plunger! Recruit a friend, family member, coworker (whoever!) to take the Plunge with you!
Is alcohol allowed at the Polar Plunge?
Alcohol is not permitted anywhere at the Plunge location. Special Olympics has a zero-alcohol policy and Special Olympics Montana reserves the right to revoke a plunger’s plunge status at any time if they are in violation of this policy.
Where are Polar Plunge photos posted?
Photos will be posted to the Polar Plunge SmugMug Page after each event. All photos are captured by our amazing volunteer photographers. Because we rely on volunteers, Special Olympics Montana cannot guarantee photos of every participant taking the Plunge.
What is the Polar Plunge cancellation policy?
Special Olympics Montana reserves the right to cancel an event due to inclement weather or safety concerns. If a Plunge is cancelled, charitable contributions will not be refunded. In the event a plunge is cancelled or postponed, Special Olympics Montana staff will be in contact with all registered plungers to provide updates.