Description

The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) will be holding its 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Greenbrier State Park on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Registration is now open and excitement is rising for the unique event. 

The year’s top event sponsors are Mountain View Animal Emergency and radio stations 101.5 Bob Rocks, 104.7 WAYZ, 92.1 The GOAT, and 100.9 The Line. If your business would like to be a part of this fun event, sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please reach out to Noel Cordell at 301-733-2060 ext. 212 or ncordell@hswcmd.org. 

“It’s hard to believe this will be our 20th Polar Bear Plunge. We need the community’s help to make it bigger and better than ever,” said Noel Cordell, Director of Development and Communications. “Grab your bravest friends, family or coworkers, don your craziest costumes, and take the plunge together as a bold act for animals in need.” 

Day of registration and check-in begins at 10:30 am, and the plunge is at noon. Costume judging will be held onsite from 10:30 to 11:45 am. 

Awards will be given for the Most Money Raised by an Individual, Most Money Raised by a Team, Best Individual Costume, Best Team Costume, and Largest Team of Participants. 

Interested participants can pre-register online at www.hswcmd.org and create their own personal fundraising page. The registration fee is $25 prior to the event and $30 the day of the event. Register by December 15th to receive a custom Polar Bear Plunge long-sleeved shirt. Additional incentives will be awarded to plungers reaching various levels of fundraising tiers. 

There will also be an option to plunge “virtually” for those who would prefer to participate at home. Registered virtual participants can still create their own unique fundraising pages, receive Polar Bear Plunge t-shirts, and earn the same benefits as in-person plungers. They are encouraged to take a photo or video of their plunge – in a pool, a creek, a bathtub, or even using a bucket – and share a photo or video via Facebook Messenger to HSWC’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hswcmd) or by emailing ncordell@hswcmd.org. Photos or videos must be submitted by January 5th to be considered for the prize, “Most Creative Virtual Plunge”. 

Anyone who would like to sponsor a participant can go to https://hswcmd.networkforgood.com/projects/173957-20th-annual-polar-bear-plunge to search for their favorite “polar bear” and make a donation on their personal fundraising page. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Washington County. 

Last year’s Polar Bear Plunge grossed over $24,000 for HSWC. 

The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship.