Every winter, brave Wisconsinites take a quick but frigid dip to raise money for the Special Olympics. Throughout February, Polar Plunges take place in eight locations around the state. This year’s local event is happening on Feb. 24 at Brookfield’s Fox Brook Park, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
How it Started
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) first hosted a Polar Plunge in 1999 in the La Crosse area. The inaugural Milwaukee-area Plunge took place at Muskego Park in 2001. Area Plunges have also taken place at Bradford Beach, Oconomowoc City Beach and the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Most Raised
$1.94 million
Statewide in 2012
$99,910
Muskego in 2007
$125,920
Individually by Chad Hershner, Special Olympics Wisconsin president and CEO in 2023
$8,322
The Hartford Special Olympics as a team in 2023
Goals 
On average, 185 people participate in the local Plunge each year. The Special Olympics hopes to raise $95,000 at this year’s 
Milwaukee area event.
How Cold is Polar?
35.6°
average temperature outside of Feb. 24
30s°
estimated temperature of Fox Brook Lake on Feb. 24
According to SOWI reps, the temperature outside must be above 0° for plungers to go in the water.
The Impact
The statewide plunge raises funds to help sponsor approximately 7,500 local athletes annually at more than 200 events including sports competitions, health-related activities and special events hosted by SOWI and community partners.
The average team size is eight people,
who together raise an average of
$2,300 for the cause.
Around the State
In addition to our area, SOWI hosts plunges in seven other locations each year. The average team size is eight people, who together raise an average of around $2,300 for the cause.
