On Saturday February 22nd, 2025, over 7,000 charity driven people will invade the beaches of Seaside Heights, New Jersey and take a dip into the thirty-something degree waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the three to five minutes that they will dip into the frigid waters — the 7,000 plus brave souls will raise over $2,000,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Andrew Miller/For Townsquare Media NJ
Andrew Miller/For Townsquare Media NJ
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Most groups that will be plunging are law enforcement and first responder personnel. Each group raises thousands for Special Olympics New Jersey which provides programs and events for intellectually challenged children and adults.

Special Olympics New Jersey helps an amazing 20,000 challenged individuals to learn participation, friendship, competition, spirit and joy and the success of physical fitness and activities.

The Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights is one of my favorite events, I’ve been a part of the festivities for over 26 years and have witnessed the enormity and support of this cause going from raising a little over $12,000 when I first got involved, to over $2,000,000 last year.

Photo by Hollie Santos on Unsplash
Photo by Hollie Santos on Unsplash
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It is truly an amazing event that would not have happened but for the support and leadership of retired NJ State Trooper Major Kevin Burke and Det. Jimmy Smits from Berkeley Heights.

Jimmy Smits retired a few years ago and moved out of state, but Kevin is still the driving force behind this event that runs like clockwork. I have been fortunate to be a part of charitable events here in New Jersey and raised millions, but this is one of my favorites.

Special Olympics New Jersey runs on a tight budget, with close to 90% of all money raised going directly to the programs at Special Olympics New Jersey.

Andrew Miller/For Townsquare Media NJ
Andrew Miller/For Townsquare Media NJ
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There is always a huge crowd on hand to witness this spectacular and I do my radio show live on New Jersey 101.5 from Seaside Heights from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

I invite you to join me and have some fun while supporting Special Olympics New Jersey. You can register and get more information by clicking on plungeseaside.org.

Support Special Olympics New Jersey and I will see you in Seaside Heights on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

2024 Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge raises $2.75M

More than 8,000 people got freezin' for a reason on Saturday, Feb. 24 for the annual Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge, which raises millions of dollars for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Miller/For New Jersey 101.5

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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