Cool School Penguin Plunge

Toolkit

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Letter to Cool School Coordinators

Dear Cool School Penguin Plunge team coordinators,

Special Olympics Vermont is excited to announce a few important changes to the Penguin Plunge for the 2015

20th anniversary event. Our goal is threefold: to make it simple to coordinate the event and involve more

students at your school, to build the Project UNIFY movement in Vermont, and to help school Unified Sports

teams fundraise to support the growth of your programs. Please read through the list of changes and contact

Liza Reed with any questions.

2015 Cool School Penguin Plunge

No registration fee: In 2015, Plungers participating with an elementary, middle, or high school-based

Plunge team will not be required to pay a registration fee. This makes it easier to register students at

school.

Donate to a team or to an individual: Donors can make a gift to your Plunge team or to an individual

Plunger. This makes it easier to do group fundraisers, collect donations from businesses in your

community, and involve more students. Please note that fundraising incentives will still be based on

individual fundraising levels.

Team Captain: Each Cool School Plunge team will have a captain, most likely you! This will make it easier

for Special Olympics Vermont to disseminate information which you can then pass to your team.

Revenue sharing: Schools will receive a percentage of their total fundraising dollars (team + individual

fundraising efforts) to grow or begin your Project UNIFY program. This will encourage fundraising and

make it easier to see how your school’s Plunge efforts directly support your athletes. Teams with 1-19

Plungers will receive 7.5% of the team’s fundraising total. Teams with 20+ Plungers will receive 10% of

the team’s fundraising dollars!

Cool School Plunge: Cool School Penguin Plunge teams will Plunge at noon, following the

traditional/non-school teams at 11am. This will alleviate congestion in the changing tents and encourage

a fun, school-centric event to celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of your students.

Incentives: Team-based and individual fundraising incentives will be available to Cool School Plunge

teams.

These changes are intended to make coordinating a Penguin Plunge team easy for you, and to encourage more

participation among students. If you have questions or suggestions at any point please feel free to contact me.

Thank you so much for all of the work you do to make the Penguin Plunge a great success and support Special

Olympics Vermont! I look forward to working with you to promote the event in your school.

All the best,

Liza Reed

Marketing and Events Manager

lreed@vtso.org (802) 861-0275 www.PenguinPlunge.org

Inside this Toolkit

Special Olympics Vermont and the R-Word Campaign

Timeline for a successful Cool School Penguin Plunge

How to promote the event at your school

Registration

Fundraising

Sample newsletter article

Donor record form

Waiver form

Special Olympics Fact Sheet

Who is SOVT?

Special Olympics Vermont provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of

Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing

opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a

sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the

community. We currently offer statewide competition in12 sports, including athletics (track & field),

alpine skiing, aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, Nordic skiing, soccer, softball, snowboarding,

and snowshoeing, to 935 Athletes statewide.

Our History

The concept for Special Olympics was born in the early 1960’s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a

day camp for people with intellectual disabilities at her home in Rockville, Maryland. The first

International Special Olympics Games were held in 1968 at Soldier’s Field, Chicago with 1,000

athletes participating from 26 states and Canada.

How We’ve Grown?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s vision of an international sports organization for people with intellectual

disabilities has grown into one of the largest and most successful sports and volunteer organizations

in the world. Special Olympics programs are in every state and over 180 countries, serving more than

two million athletes!

Who is Eligible?

Special Olympics Vermont reaches 935 individuals statewide with intellectual disabilities who can

benefit from our sports programs. Individuals with an intellectual disability must be eight years or

older to and register with Special Olympics Vermont. A Young Athletes ® program is now available

for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2-7.

Year Round Opportunities

SOVT provides training and 16 statewide competition opportunities throughout the year. Our largest

competition events are Winter Games in March and Summer Games in June.

Fundraising and Finances

Special Olympics programs are free to all eligible athletes and are possible thanks to the generous

support from individuals and businesses who believe in the Special Olympics movement. The

Penguin Plunge event series raises nearly half of SOVT’s annual operating budget.

Project UNIFY and the R-Word Campaign

What is Project UNIFY?

Project UNIFY brings athletes with and without disabilities together by having them train and

compete on the same sports team. By pairing together peers with and without disabilities, students

are given the opportunity to build a more inclusive environment both in and out of the classroom.

There are currently six Project UNIFY sports competitions for schools and local programs in Vermont:

track and field, bocce, bowling, basketball, snowshoeing and soccer

“Spread the Word to End the Word”—The R-word Campaign

The goal of the R-word campaign is for people to pledge to use respectful people-first language (i.e.

a person with an intellectual disability). The R-word is the word ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’. This word refers

to those with an intellectual disability but is very hurtful due to the fact that it is exclusive, offensive,

and derogatory. The R-word campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the word as a step

toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for people. Language can drastically

affect an attitude, and an attitude can then affect actions

Timeline for a Successful School-Wide Penguin Plunge

Preparing for the Penguin Plunge:

Get the school principle and administration on board with a school wide Penguin Plunge!

Create an online fundraising page for your team and register yourself:

http://www.firstgiving.com/vtso/burlingtonschoolplunge2015

Schedule an assembly announcing the opportunity to participate with you Penguin Plunge

team

Approach a popular teacher that would be willing to sacrifice something in front of entire

student body. (Offering to shave head in front of the whole school if a fundraising goal is

reached has been very successful!)

Talk to sports teams/clubs in schools and see if coaches would have the entire team do the

Plunge as a team building activity

Speak with other teachers and have them “talk-up” the event and display posters in classrooms

Promote the event through home-school-community communication channels (website,

newsletter, etc)

A teacher could wear a “Friday Plunge Shirt” every Friday leading up to the Plunge that

students are able to sign once they raise a predetermined amount of money. The more

signatures on the shirt, the more interest there is in the event

Contact SOVT to receive support for assembly, registration, and fundraising events

Timeline

Early in the School Year (Before Thanksgiving Break)

Identify student leaders.

Create an online fundraising page for your team and register yourself:

http://www.firstgiving.com/vtso/burlingtonschoolplunge2015

Have a school wide assembly to introduce the Plunge and get students interested (use SOVT as a

resource for handout materials, posters, post cards, t-shirts, hats, etc.)

The message should be (1) that the Penguin Plunge is a super fun event that brings the whole school

community together (2) it is a good way for us to show support to students with disabilities in the

school and (3) to fund the Unified Sports Program. Schools that already have Project UNIFY programs

should invite participants to facilitate the assembly

The assembly can be less than 20 minutes. The point is to rally the troops and give them a purpose,

not necessarily to give a whole bunch of detail about the actual Plunge. Use photos/videos

There should be 3-4 speakers (both student leaders and the teacher who would be willing to sacrifice

something if fundraising goal is met)

Show a promotional video of the Penguin Plunge to get students excited. This sample video is one

created by the Champlain Valley Union High School team for 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W-OPo1y4KI

December

Post in the school newsletter to remind people to register and raise money during the break

Remind students to ask friends or relatives during vacation if they would like to donate to your team,

every little bit helps!

3 Weeks Out (Jan. 19)

Send an email reminding the Plungers how close the Penguin Plunge is and what the incentive levels

and items are

Get a physical list of the students who are involved and publicly name these students as a member of

the “[school name] Penguin Plunge Team”. SOVT can provide a list of registered Plungers

Create a poster with the pictures of all of the Plungers, to show the many people who are

participating from different social groups

Use existing school-community-home communication channels to continue getting the word out

Timeline Continued…

2 Weeks Out (Jan. 26)

Put a notice in the announcements everyday reminding students that there is still time to register,

and that waivers are due at the mandatory meeting the following week

Create a lot of handmade signs saying when the Plunge is, that there is a meeting the week before

the Plunge, and that waivers are due now!

Send out an email to all students who have signed up, giving them some sample language to use

when networking for donation requests

Schedule a mandatory meeting for the week of the Plunge

Schedule check-in with a SOVT staff member

The Week of the Plunge (Feb. 2)

On Monday have students hang the posters around the school…everywhere!!

During the mandatory meeting for all Plungers talk about the following items:

1. Tomorrow, last minute money and waivers must be handed in to an assigned

location/teachers

2. Hand out bags from SOVT and assign Plunge wave number

3. Waivers are mandatory for all Plungers. No waiver, no Plunge

4. If the $150 is not possible, please let the team captain know

5. Costume theme

6. Not too late to join!

On Thursday all final forms are due. Students leaders and teachers sits in a central location

registering students, handing out wrist bands and assigning waive numbers

On the Friday before the Plunge student leaders chase down last minute waivers and money!

Day of Plunge (Feb. 7)

a. Be at waterfront by 11:15AM for Plunge team photo (select meeting place)

b. Do not need to check-in

c. Dress for the cold weather prior to and following Plunge

d. Shoes are required to Plunge. Old sneakers and water sandals are great, flip flops and crocs

are not!

e. Bring a trash bag for wet stuff, a wave bracelet, and a second pair of shoes, SOVT will give you

a towel

Registration

At Your School

Talk with SOVT and have them explain how to set up the fundraising website before the assembly!

Make copies of clear, easy-to-understand sign-up instructions to hand out to students

Have a bank of 4-5 computers set up at lunch during that first week after the assembly with

facilitators to help students sign up

Have Penguin Plunge waivers available to hand out to the students as soon as they sign up, with

where to drop off the waiver written on the sheet itself

The week of the Penguin Plunge – schedule time with SOVT to complete check-in

How to Fundraise!

Mail a fundraising letter or email to friends, family and neighbors using the sample letter included in

this toolkit

Post on to social media with link to your team or personal fundraising page

Ask your family match funds that you put in yourself

Fundraise outside of school; perform a service for a donation (rake leaves, shovel snow, etc) for a

donation to your Cool School Plunge Team

Always send a thank you letter!

Thank you to our 2015 Sponsors!

Sample Donation Request Letter (can be modified for email)

[Insert date here] Dear [Insert name here], I am writing to request your support as I participate in the 2015 Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge. On February 7th, I will Plunge into the freezing waters of Lake Champlain to raise money for the 935 athletes who participate in Special Olympics Vermont. I’m sure you’re shivering just thinking about it! Special Olympics Vermont provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

I have set a personal fundraising goal of [insert $$ amount] and I need your help to reach it! Please consider making a donation to Special Olympics Vermont on my behalf for the 2015 Penguin Plunge. No amount is too small or too great! All donations go directly to a wonderful cause and even a small donation draws me closer to my goal of [insert $$ amount]. It’s easy to support my Plunge! You can donate online through my personal fundraising page [insert URL] or make your check payable to Special Olympics Vermont and return it to me. Please put my name in the check memo. If you would like to learn more about this exciting winter event, visit www.Penguin Plunge.org to learn all the chilly details. Think warm thoughts for me as February approaches! I’ll do my best to make you proud! Best wishes, [Insert Plunger name]

SAMPLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ARTICLE - 2015 PENGUIN PLUNGE

Media Contact Liza Reed Marketing and Events Manager Special Olympics Vermont (802) 861-0275 Cell: 802-598-7571 lreed@vtso.org

Students Prepare for Penguin Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics Vermont

On Saturday, February 7th, members of the [name of school] community will jump into the icy waters

of Lake Champlain to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Vermont. Right now, our school

team, [name of team and link to FirstGiving page] is made up of xx students in grades x-x, and xx

teachers. This will be the X year that our school has had a Penguin Plunge team and it’s always a great

event! You can join our Penguin Plunge team by registering online, or please contact [name of

organizer and link to email] for more information.

Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year round to foster inclusion and

acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities. In school communities, Special Olympics promotes

Project Unify, a program that brings together students with and without disabilities to practice and

compete together in a variety of sports. Our school offers two Unified Sports opportunities, (ex:

bowling in the fall and snowshoeing in the winter). Students practice weekly and participate in a

statewide competition. One Unified Partner has this to say about his/her Unified Sports experience:

“quote from student”.

Join our Penguin Plunge team! (link to team FirstGiving page). All Plungers must raise $150 and will

receive a Penguin Plunge hat and towel for participating. There are additional incentive prizes for

Plungers who raise even more! If you aren’t able to Plunge, please consider making a donation to our

team. Students are working very hard to raise money for Special Olympics and to show that our

school community is on board with the mission.

###

Additional Resources:

http://www.specialolympicsvermont.org/

http://www.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraising-events/penguin-plunge/

https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicsvermont

SAMPLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ARTICLE - 2015 PENGUIN PLUNGE

(Continued)

About Special Olympics Vermont: Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that

works year round to foster inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by using

the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. In Vermont 935 athletes train and compete in

12 Olympic-type sports. Through successful experiences in sports, SOVT athletes gain confidence and

build positive self-images, which follow them into their homes, classrooms, jobs, and communities. To

learn more go to http://www.specialolympicsvermont.org/.

About the Penguin Plunge: The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge is a three-part

fundraising event series that reaches 1,500 brave participants across Vermont and surrounding

states. Plungers raise money and jump into Vermont’s frozen lakes to show that they have 32

degrees of courage. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Burlington Penguin Plunge and SOVT is

excited to showcase some new partners and incentives.

Donor Record Form to Keep Track of all the Donations!

Use this form to keep track of individuals and businesses that help sponsor your plunge.

Make copies of this form if you need additional sheets.

Checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Vermont. Please include the Plunger’s name in the memo.

Plungers are encouraged to mail/deliver checks to SOVT prior to the Plunge (please ensure that offline donations arrive

one week prior to your Plunge event to allow time for processing). Please do not mail cash. Offline donations can also be

turned at the pre-plunge or at check-in the day of the event. Additional information is available on the website at

www.PenguinPlunge.org.

Thank you for your support!

Your Name (Plunger) Team Name (if applicable)

Donor Name Address Check # or Cash

Donation Amount

Donor Name Address Check # or Cash

Donation Amount

SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY,

AND PARENTAL CONSENT AGREEMENT

In consideration of participating in the Special Olympics Vermont 2015 Penguin Plunge, I represent that I understand the nature of

Penguin Plunge events and that I and/or my minor child am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such

Activity. I acknowledge that if I and/or my minor child believe event conditions are unsafe, I and/or my minor child will immediately

discontinue participation in the Activity.

I fully understand that the Penguin Plunge events involve risks of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis and death,

which may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, those of others participating in the event, the conditions in which the event takes

place, or the negligence of the "releasees" named below; and that there may be other risks either not known to me or not readily

foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or my minor

child incur as a result of my and/or my minor child’s participation in the Activity.

I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Special Olympics Vermont, Special Olympics Inc., its respective administrators,

directors, agents, officers, volunteers, and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of

premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the "RELEASEES" herein) from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or

damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the "releasees" or otherwise, including

negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release, waiver of liability, and assumption of risk I, or anyone on my

and/or my minor child's behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees

from any loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.

I have read this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, AND PARENTAL CONSENT

AGREEMENT, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and without any inducement or

assurance of any nature and intend it be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extend allowed by law and agree

that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

Special Olympics Vermont has my permission, both during and anytime after, to use my likeness, name, voice or words in either television,

radio film, social media, newspapers, magazines, and other media, in any form, for the purpose of advertising or communicating the purposes

and activities of Special Olympics and/or applying for funds to support those purposes and activities.

____________________________________________________________________________ Team:_________________________________

Printed Name of Participant

____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Participant

____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian (If participant is under age 18)

______/______/______ Emergency Contact/Phone number: ________________________________________________________

Date