2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland

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2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT
If you need assistance please contact us at plunge@somd.org or 410-242-1515 ext. 503
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                                        Contents

               The 2018 Polar Bear Plunge              3
               Getting Started                         4
               Where your Money Goes                   5
               Police Plunger Tools                    6
               Fire & EMS Plunger Tools                8
               Military Plunger Tools                  9
                       Customizable Flyers
                       Plunge Posters
                       Plunge Email Icons
                       Plunge Website
                       Business Cards
                       Donor Receipts
                       Sick Note
                       Pledge Form
               Fundraising Tips                        12
               Email Tips & Tricks                     13
               Social Media Tips & Tricks              14
               FAQs                                    15

2 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                       2018 MSP Polar Bear Plunge
                          The COOLEST Maryland Tradition
              The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge is the largest Plunge in the world with
              over 10,000 brave plungers accepting the challenge of raising money in support of
              Special Olympics Maryland and jumping into the Chesapeake Bay in the middle of
              the winter! Individuals, teams, schools, and companies all have the chance to
              prove their courage and leave their comfort zones all while having fun and
              supporting a good cause!

              What is better than plunging into the Bay in January? Throwing your friends,
              neighbors, and co-workers in with you! The Plunge is the best winter beach party
              in Maryland! With a happy hour to boost your confidence and bands to get you
              pumped, you will not only have the warm feeling of freezin’ for a reason, but will
              create memories and traditions for years to come.

3 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                                    Getting Started
                              Show your courage and register for the 2018
                              MSP Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special
                              Olympics Maryland!

                              www.plungemd.com

                              Challenge your neighbors, friends, and co-
                              workers to show their courage and be freezin’
                              for a reason with you!

                              Compete against other individuals and teams to
                              raise the most money or have the coolest
                              costumes!

                              Jumping into the freezing cold bay in January
                              earns you some bragging rights! Post on
                              Facebook, email your family, or shout it from the
                              top of your building! Whatever you choose,
                              there is no doubt they will support you!

                              Every dollar you raise supports the Athletes of
                              Special Olympics Maryland! Check out the
                              Where Your Money Goes flyer to find out how
                              your chills and thrills helps Special Olympics
                              Maryland Athletes compete year round!

4 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                              Where Your Money Goes
                Check out how your dollars given and raised are helping the
                  7,549 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland train and
                                   compete year round!

5 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                              Police Plunger Tools
                                Customizable Flyer
                                These flyers are 8.5 by 11 inches and can be customized for
                                your team. These are great for promoting your team in public
                                areas or around the town so that plungers can easily grab the
                                information they need to join or donate to your team!

                                To get your customized poster, please contact plunge@somd.org

                                Plunge Posters
                                These posters are 8.5 by 11 inches and are great for displaying
                                in public areas or around the town to bring awareness to the
                                2017 MSP Polar Bear Plunge.

                                Click here to download your copies

                                Plunge Email Icons
                                Include the 2017 Plunge email icon in your signature line to
                                promote and encourage donations to your plunge team.
                                Hyperlink to your plunge team page and watch your
                                donations grow!
                                Click here to download the icon

                               Upgraded This Year! Police Plunge Website
                               The Police Plunge is growing and now has its very own
                               website! Create your personal and team fundraising pages,
                               send emails to your team members, and watch your company
                               climb the fundraising charts!

                               www.plungemd.com

6 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                              Police Plunger Tools
                                 Plunger Business Cards
                                 Everyone in the working world knows how important a
                                 business card is for building connections! Use these Plunger
                                 Cards to build your fundraising network and direct your
                                 donors and future team mates to your Plunge page.

                                 Click here to download your set of Plunger Business Cards

                                Donor Receipts
                                The most important practice of fundraising is to thank your
                                donors! These cards are a quick and easy way to say “Thank
                                You” and provide a receipt for their charitable donation.

                                Click here to download your set of Donor Receipts

                                Plunge Sick Note
                                The best cure for the winter blues is a dip in the bay! Share
                                your “sick note” with your boss and co-workers and get
                                pumped for the Corporate Plunge!
                                Click here to download your prescription

                                Pledge Form
                                Technology not your thing? Keep track of your fundraising all
                                offline and turn it in on Plunge day! Sign the waiver, attach
                                your money and you will zip through the registration line in no
                                time!

                                Click here to download your pledge form

7 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                              Fire & EMS Plunger Tools
                                  Customizable Flyer
                                  These flyers are 8.5 by 11 inches and can be customized for
                                  your team. These are great for promoting your team in public
                                  areas or around the town so that plungers can easily grab the
                                  information they need to join or donate to your team!

                                  To get your customized poster, please contact plunge@somd.org

                                  Plunge Posters
                                  These posters are 8.5 by 11 inches and are great for displaying
                                  in public areas or around the town to bring awareness to the
                                  2017 MSP Polar Bear Plunge.

                                  Click here to download your copies

                                  Plunge Email Icons
                                  Include the 2018 Plunge email icon in your signature line to
                                  promote and encourage donations to your plunge team.
                                  Hyperlink to your plunge team page and watch your
                                  donations grow!
                                  Click here to download the icon

                                 New This Year! Fire & EMS Plunge Website
                                 The Fire & EMS Plunge is growing and now has its very own
                                 website! Create your personal and team fundraising pages,
                                 send emails to your team members, and watch your company
                                 climb the fundraising charts!

                                 www.plungemd-fireems.com

8 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                              Fire & EMS Plunger Tools
                                  Plunger Business Cards
                                  Everyone in the working world knows how important a
                                  business card is for building connections! Use these Plunger
                                  Cards to build your fundraising network and direct your
                                  donors and future team mates to your Plunge page.

                                  Click here to download your set of Plunger Business Cards

                                  Donor Receipts
                                  The most important practice of fundraising is to thank your
                                  donors! These cards are a quick and easy way to say “Thank
                                  You” and provide a receipt for their charitable donation.

                                  Click here to download your set of Donor Receipts

                                  Plunge Sick Note
                                  The best cure for the winter blues is a dip in the bay! Share
                                  your “sick note” with your boss and co-workers and get
                                  pumped for the Corporate Plunge!

                                  Click here to download your prescription

                                  Pledge Form
                                  Technology not your thing? Keep track of your fundraising all
                                  offline and turn it in on Plunge day! Sign the waiver, attach
                                  your money and you will zip through the registration line in no
                                  time!
                                  Click here to download your pledge form

9 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 TOOL KIT - Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                               Military Plunger Tools
                                  Customizable Flyer
                                  These flyers are 8.5 by 11 inches and can be customized for
                                  your team. These are great for promoting your team in public
                                  areas or around the town so that plungers can easily grab the
                                  information they need to join or donate to your team!

                                  To get your customized poster, please contact plunge@somd.org

                                  Plunge Posters
                                  These posters are 8.5 by 11 inches and are great for displaying
                                  in public areas or around the town to bring awareness to the
                                  2017 MSP Polar Bear Plunge.

                                  Click here to download your copies

                                  Plunge Email Icons
                                  Include the 2018 Plunge email icon in your signature line to
                                  promote and encourage donations to your plunge team.
                                  Hyperlink to your plunge team page and watch your
                                  donations grow!
                                  Click here to download the icon

                                  Upgraded This Year! Military Plunge Website
                                  The Military Plunge is growing and now has its very own
                                  website! Create your personal and team fundraising pages,
                                  send emails to your team members, and watch your company
                                  climb the fundraising charts!

                                  www.plungemd-military.com

10 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                               Military Plunger Tools
                                  Plunger Business Cards
                                  Everyone in the working world knows how important a
                                  business card is for building connections! Use these Plunger
                                  Cards to build your fundraising network and direct your
                                  donors and future team mates to your Plunge page.

                                  Click here to download your set of Plunger Business Cards

                                  Donor Receipts
                                  The most important practice of fundraising is to thank your
                                  donors! These cards are a quick and easy way to say “Thank
                                  You” and provide a receipt for their charitable donation.

                                  Click here to download your set of Donor Receipts

                                  Plunge Sick Note
                                  The best cure for the winter blues is a dip in the bay! Share
                                  your “sick note” with your boss and co-workers and get
                                  pumped for the Corporate Plunge!

                                  Click here to download your prescription

                                 Pledge Form
                                 Technology not your thing? Keep track of your fundraising all
                                 offline and turn it in on Plunge day! Sign the waiver, attach
                                 your money and you will zip through the registration line in no
                                 time!
                                 Click here to download your pledge form

11 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                                      Fundraising Tips
You’ve posted on Facebook and sent emails to your childhood best friend but now you want to
 do more! Here are some unique ways you can raise additional funds and get the whole town
                                      in on the fun!

   Shovel your neighbors’ driveways
   No one likes to shovel out their cars after the big winter snow
   storm right? Collect donations for each driveway, walkway, and
   cul de sac you shovel. Gather your team mates and take on the
   whole neighborhood and watch your fundraising hit the next level!

                               50/50
                               Head to your favorite local spot to grab a drink or bite to eat and
                               break out the faithful 50/50 raffle board! This is a great way for both
                               you and the donors to win! Each raffle winner will get 50% of the
                               total money raised while the other 50% goes to your team. Hold as
                               many rounds as you want and sell as many tickets as you want. The
                               more you sell the more you make and the happier the donors are!

   Bake Sale
   Eating a warm chocolate chip cookie while sipping on some
   hot chocolate is a great way to spend a winter day! You and
   your team mates can bake all day and then sell to your
   treats to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. This is a great
   way to spread the warm feeling of freezin’ for a reason!

12 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                                 Email Tips & Tricks
Email is a great way to spread the word about your Plunge participation, and to ask others to
join your team or pledge your cause. Where else can you reach people all over the world from
  the comfort of your couch! Your personalized fundraising page already has the messaging
  ready. Work with the system to recruit plungers, ask for donations and thank your donors.
Sample Text

  I’m participating in the 22nd Annual MSP Polar Bear Plunge on Friday, January 26th. I’m jumping into the
  Chesapeake Bay to support Special Olympics Maryland athletes!
  But – before I can dip my toes in the cool waters of success, I need your help reaching my personal
  fundraising goal. Every dollar helps! You don’t need to be a million dollar giver, unless you want to be,
  but a donation of $5 or $10 can help me.
  Just click on my personal page link below, give me a little support, and watch me reach my goal! Of
  course, you can always join me at the Plunge…or just wait for the pictures to appear on Facebook.
  Keepin’ the water cool!
  P.S. You can do me a big favor by forwarding this to someone you know!

Tips & Tricks
          Make it personal: Tell others why you are plunging! Whether you are plunging
          because it’s a Maryland Tradition or you love Special Olympics Maryland, others
          want to know why it’s important to you.
          Include Pictures– Whether its pics of you plunging in the past or you volunteering
          at a Special Olympics competition.
          Make it FUN! Have a competition to see who can sign up first or raise
          more money.
          Be sure to say THANK YOU!

13 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                           Social Media Tips & Tricks
  Social media can have a large impact on your fundraising efforts! Check out these tips and
   Tricks on how to use social media to your advantage and become the coolest fundraiser!

Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram
Make posts about everything from registration to donations to how you are preparing
to take the Plunge! Use #PlungeMD or #PlungePrep to show off all of the cool things
you are doing to support Special Olympics Maryland! Add photos and videos to make
you stand out. Who knows, maybe Plunge MD will share your stories!
Here are some ideas of what to say:
“I’m freezin for a reason for the 2018 #PlungeMD to support Special Olympics
Maryland!”
“Thanks @John Smith for helping me reach my goal for the 2018 #PlungeMd!”
“Today I challenged myself to raise $50 more for #PlungeMD and the athletes of Special
Olympics Maryland. Help me reach my goal by donating to my Plunge page!”
Sharing posts from Plunge MD is another great way to keep your friend and followers
updated as well!

LinkedIn
Challenge your peers at other companies to take the plunge by sharing your company’s
excitement and fundraising progress.

Make sure to follow us to stay updated on
         all things #PlungeMD!

14 Special Olympics Maryland
2018 Plunge Tool Kit

                                                  FAQ’s
Q: Where/How do I turn in my money on Plunge Day?
A: Any money you have in-hand must be turned in at Registration. This includes cash, checks, and money
orders. Credit card donations are also accepted at Registration.

Q: How far do I have to go into the water?
A: We do not have any depth requirements for the Plunge. We leave it up to the comfort level of the
individual participant. Some choose to go all the way under, while others go ankle-deep.

Q: Where can I change before and/or after the Plunge?
A: We provide large heated changing tents for Men and Women. These are located on the beach, just outside
of the Plunge Zone, providing easy access to them immediately post-Plunge. Please note that neither the
event committee nor Special Olympics Maryland are responsible for personal belongings left inside the tent
that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk.

Q: What else is there to do at the Plunge?
A: The afternoon will kick off will Happy Hour featuring bands, beers, cocktails, and food trucks! Enjoy time
relaxing and hanging out with your co-workers or friends from other companies before you take the chilly dip
into the Chesapeake Bay.

Q: What should I wear to the Plunge?
A: Whatever you want, within the following guidelines:
       No wetsuits allowed! The less you wear the easier it is to change into warm clothes afterwards, plus
       you won’t earn any bragging rights if you Plunge in a wetsuit!
       Wearing shoes is strongly encouraged – the sand is very cold and this will go a long way towards
       increasing your comfort
       Lewd or indecent bathing suits or outfits are not permitted. Please remember that this is a family
       event. Participants who disregard this policy will be asked to cover up, or will be escorted from the
       park.

                                Still have questions? No problem!
                                Check out our full list of FAQ’s or
                                 Contact us at plunge@somd.org

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