Penguin Plunge raises over $525K for Special Olympics Vermont

The 28th Annual Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge went remote due to anticipated extreme weather conditions on Saturday, Feb. 4. Nevertheless, hundreds of plungers raised funds and created their own chilly activities in support of programs that enrich the lives of a community of over 5,000 Vermonters.

The Penguin Plunge is the largest fundraising event for Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT), and this year over $525,000 was raised by over 1,000 participants between the Burlington, Cool Schools, and Southern Vermont plunges to support SOVT initiatives and programming.

Fundraisers were encouraged to show their support for SOVT by plunging remotely and recording or taking photos of their creative alternatives to the usual in-person plunge into Lake Champlain.

“We are so grateful for the support of our community, who continue to make this event a success year after year,” said Special Olympics Vermont President and CEO Missy Siner. “Our plungers, sponsors, partners, volunteers and donors embraced the shift to a remote plunge by continuing to raise funds and awareness for our organization, demonstrating their commitment to building a more inclusive future for Vermont.”

Williston Central School led the way as the top fundraising team of the Cool Schools Penguin Plunge, breaking its high school counterpart’s nine-year streak. The 67-member team raised over