Corporate Plunge Challenge 2014 Information Packet
Transcription
Corporate Plunge Challenge 2014 Information Packet
Corporate Plunge Challenge 2014 Information Packet What is the MSP Polar Bear Plunge? 2014 marks the 18th anniversary of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). Over the years the plunge has evolved into ritual for some and a rite of passage for others. It has become a Maryland institution…a winter “cabin fever buster” classic. The Plunge plays an integral role in helping Special Olympics Maryland transform the lives of over 6,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities; their families and communities, every day through meaningful sport experiences, health promotion along with education and awareness building on and off the field. Thanks to the spirited volunteer commitment of the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Natural Resources Police, Marylanders are able to experience the unique and exhilarating adventure of “plunging” into the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay from the beach at Sandy Point State Park. The act of “plunging” ranges from dipping one’s toe in the Bay to wading out to chest-deep water followed by the fully submerged body plunge. The event has grown to include 10,000 plungers each year with another 10,000 people attending to observe the plunge and take advantage of our Plungefest which provides a festival-like atmosphere, making for an enjoyable daylong experience at the park. Who: 10,000 Marylanders What: Plunge into the Chesapeake Bay Where: Sandy Point State Park When: Saturday, January 25, 2014 THE MSP Polar Bear Plunge, 1:00 and 3:00 Why: To Benefit Special Olympics Maryland What else: The day-long Plungefest helps break cabin fever for an additional 10,000 spectators and supporters who enjoy the day’s festivities at the park. 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 2|P a g e The event has evolved over the years to be the single largest revenue producing special event for Special Olympics Maryland. Supported by all law enforcement agencies across the state, Presenting Sponsor - Aerotek and media partners WBAL 11, 98Rock and WBAL 1090, along with numerous other partners, the MSP Polar Bear Plunge plays a significant role in transforming lives and building better communities across Maryland. While SOMD has served our athletes for over 40 years there is still much work to be done. There are 90,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Maryland so we are only reaching 7.2% of those eligible for our sport programs. Our goal is to double the number of athletes by 2018. In order to provide year-round sport programs for those 13,000 athletes we will be recruiting more volunteers and of course we will need to raise more money as our athletes participate for free. That’s right there is no charge to become a Special Olympics athlete. 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 3|P a g e What is the Corporate Plunge? other business entities and CWho: haTeams llefrom ngCorporations, e? service organizations What: Pre-Plunge Reception 2:00 Plunge 3:30 followed by Post Plunge Reception Where: Sandy Point State Park When: Friday, January 24, 2014 Why: To Benefit Special Olympics Maryland Scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014, the Corporate Plunge Challenge was created to provide corporate teams and other business entities as well as service clubs with a great team building opportunity that provides financial support to Special Olympics Maryland. The event leverages the infrastructure of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State to provide this unique plunge opportunity on Friday afternoon when the park is empty compared to Saturday when 20,000 people pack the park. You and your team will be able to have easy access to the venue that includes on-site parking. The afternoon festivities begin 2:00 with a pre-plunge reception and recognition program. You will hear from Special Olympics Maryland athletes and learn how your fundraising efforts are impacting the lives of current and future athletes. The Corporate Plunge will take place at 3:30 followed by a post plunge reception, where teams share their plunge experience and try to warm up before heading home. This has also turned into a networking opportunity which we expect to grow as we add more teams. Team Conditions: Teams must raise a minimum of $750 in order to participate in the Corporate Plunge Challenge Teams must have a minimum of 10 members to be eligible for team prizes (please note, if your team has less than 10 members, you must still raise a minimum of $750 as a team to participate) Teams must pre-register Each team member must raise minimum of $75 Participants receive Plunge sweatshirt, complementary food at the pre and post plunge receptions, two drink coupons*, and the exhilaration of plunging in frigid waters of the Chesapeake bay to transform lives and build better communities *The coupons are only good at the pre and post plunge reception on Friday, January 24, 2014. 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 4|P a g e Be the Bear… Sign Your Team Up Today! The Corporate Plunge Challenge provides unique challenge for you and your colleagues to conquer as a group. There is strength in numbers and nothing like entering the Bay together to take the plunge. The exhilaration of the plunge and the excitement of doing it as team serves as an exceptional team-building activity that combined with interaction with our athletes on site also boosts morale. People feel good about being part of a team that is having a tangible impact in the community outside the scope everyday business but consistent with the corporate or organization culture. Divisions are as follows: Division 1: 10-19 members Division 2: 20-29 members Division 3: 30-39 members Division 4: 40-99 members Division 5: 100+ members Your team does not need to consist of just employees and staff. Invite family and friends to join in on the fun too! Awards will be provided to the top fundraising team in each division and the top overall fundraiser. Getting involved in the coolest team-building experience of the year is easy-just follow the steps below and get ready to grin and “bear” it at the 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Visit www.plungemd.com and highlight the register tab at the top of the page Highlight and click “Plunge Registration” Read and agree to the event waiver Click “Start a team” and then “New Team Under Group” Select Corporate Plunge, pick a pick a team name and follow the remaining on screen directions! Need a little assistance? Contact Stephanie Novak, [email protected]. 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 5|P a g e Spreading the Word… Below are just a few ways that your company can support the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. Help us spread the word and get your company excited to be a part of this event. Place brochures and posters in your office and throughout the entire building Host a Plunge booth in your lobby and hand out materials and encourage others to join your team Include information on you company’s website with a link to your Plunge team Include Plunge team information in internal communications/emails Set up contest within the office to see who can raise the most funds-make it a competition! Sell Plunge icons to supports-icons can be placed throughout the office representing those who are supporting the cause Challenge a nearby company to take the Corporate Plunge Challenge with you and compete against your team Talk to the management and/or finance-find out your company’s rules on matching gifts. Matching Gift programs are an easy way to increase your teams fundraising Had a Plunge team in the past? Ask each past team member to get someone new to register 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 6|P a g e Raise More Money-Get COOL prizes! In addition to a refreshing swim, everyone can score some outstanding prizes! Plungers who raise more than $75 (the cost to Plunge) are eligible for the below incentives: Individual Fundraising Prizes: Individual prizes will be awarded (post-plunge) at the levels below (Prizes are still being finalized – check www.plungemd.com for details). $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,500 $5,000 $6,000 Team Prizes: Teams are a big part of the Plunge and whether they are large or small- we know that team captains keep the team motivated and are the driving force behind their teams fundraising. As a “Thank You” from us to you, teams and team captains participating on Friday, January 24 are eligible for the prizes at the levels listed below: Frigid Level-$2,500 Team Captain will receive Travel Coffee Mug & Plunge Towel. Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the post plunge tailgate party. Frozen Level-$5,000 Team Captain will receive Polar Bear Plunge hooded sweatshirt, travel mug, and towel. Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the post plunge tailgate party. Team recognition in post-plunge e-newsletter Frostbitten Level-$10,000 Team Captain will receive Polar Bear Plunge hooded sweatshirt, travel mug, and towel. Team members will be entered for the chance to win great raffle prizes at the post-plunge tailgate party. Team recognition in post-plunge e-newsletter Company logo will be listed on the back of the Plunge Sweatshirt. (PLEASE NOTE: $10,000 must be raised and submitted to Special Olympics Maryland by January 15, 2014 to receive this incentive) 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 7|P a g e Fundraising Tools and Ideas: Personal/Team Fundraising Page: Once you register, you have the opportunity to personalize your Plunge webpage, making it easy to solicit donations online from friends, family, neighbors, and your boss. Customizable Posters: Posters can be completely customized for your company and can be picked up from the Special Olympics Maryland Headquarters or can be emailed for personal printing. Contact Stephanie Novak, [email protected] for more information. Event Brochures: The Plunge brochure can be given to anyone interested in learning more about the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. The Brochure includes all the information on the event and how to register/donate online. Brochures can be placed in common areas for people to take, can be passed out at staff/department meetings, or can be given out to neighbors. Contact Stephanie Novak, [email protected] for more information. Fundraising Icons: You can sell icons for $1(or more) around the office and put the funds towards your Plunge team. When sold, have the buyer write their name on them and put them up for display Contact Stephanie Novak, [email protected] and she will provide these to you at no cost. Social Media: Promote your participation in a status. Provide a link to have friends go directly to your page. Email Signature: Set up your e-mail signature with a link to your online fundraising page. Include this year’s message: “I’m going to be part of the coolest event in 2014! Support me as I take the Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland!” Casual Day: Host a "Casual Day" at work where employees can dress casually if they give a donation towards your team Plunge goal. 2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge – Corporate Plunge Challenge Information Packet 8|P a g e