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Maryland’s 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Raises $1.8 Million – Just Shy of $2 Million Goal

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Source: MSP Polar Bear Plunge

Every winter, Maryland residents strip down to their bathing suits and “plunge” into the freezing cold water of Chesapeake Bay in an effort to raise funds for the Special Olympics.

According to the website, “The MSP Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland is a fundraising event in which participants pledge $75 or more for the privilege to ‘Take to the Waters’ of the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, January 30th, 2016 in support of 7,169 athletes around Maryland.”

The event, coined “Plungapalooza” celebrated its 20-year anniversary on January 30th, raising $1,864,668, just shy of their $2 million goal.

Other states around the country also partake in polar bear plunges. Annual events in Seattle, New York, Boston and Minnesota to name a few. All events are designed to raise funds for various charitable organizations.