Burlington Penguin Plunge: Braving Lake Champlain for Special Olympics Vermont

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The Burlington Penguin Plunge is a cherished annual event in Vermont that challenges hundreds of locals to jump into the icy waters of Lake Champlain – all for a good cause. Every winter, this Burlington winter fundraiser sees brave participants (“plungers”) donning quirky costumes and dashing into the frigid lake to raise money for Special Olympics Vermont. It’s a spectacle of courage, community, and charity that has become a beloved tradition over nearly three decades (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX). In 2025, the tradition continues stronger than ever, inviting Burlington residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” in support of local athletes.

History and Significance of the Penguin Plunge in Vermont

The Burlington Penguin Plunge began in the 1990s as a small, daring fundraiser and has since grown into a major winter happening. Thirty Plunges ago – in 1996 – a few intrepid community members (including then-Mayor Peter Clavelle and local businessman Jeff Davis) cut a hole in the ice of Lake Champlain and jumped in; that legendary first plunge raised about $7,000 for Special Olympics Vermont (Special Olympics Vermont on Instagram). That humble beginning kicked off 30 years of tradition leading to the 30th annual Penguin Plunge in 2025 (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX).

As the event grew, so did its impact. The Penguin Plunge is now Special Olympics Vermont’s largest fundraising event, providing a significant portion of the organization’s annual budget. “Now in its 29th year, the Penguin Plunge event series supports a movement that works year-round to foster inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities,” Special Olympics Vermont noted in 2024. In fact, each winter the Plunge raises nearly 40% of Special Olympics Vermont’s operating budget. The fundraiser’s importance is hard to overstate: in recent years, the Penguin Plunge series (which includes the Burlington plunge and related events) has raised over half a million dollars annually for the cause. In 2024, the Burlington & “Cool Schools” Plunge combined brought in a record $675,000 to support Special Olympics Vermont programs (Current News | Vermont Business Magazine).

This Penguin Plunge Vermont tradition has also expanded beyond Burlington. Satellite plunges in other parts of the state (such as the Southern Vermont Penguin Plunge) and school-based “Cool Schools” plunges contribute to the overall fundraising. Still, the Burlington Penguin Plunge at Lake Champlain remains the flagship event, drawing the largest crowds of participants and spectators every winter. It has become a highlight of the season in Burlington – part of our local winter culture, right up there with ice skating and Winter Carnival.

How to Participate or Donate to the Penguin Plunge

Getting involved in the Penguin Plunge is easy and open to anyone willing to brave the cold (or anyone who wants to support from the sidelines). Whether you want to take the plunge yourself or simply donate, here’s how you can participate in this Burlington winter fundraiser:

• Register as a Plunger: Sign up on the official Penguin Plunge website (penguinplunge.org) to participate. You can register as an individual or form a team with friends, family, or coworkers (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX). Many local businesses, schools, and organizations form teams each year. There is typically a minimum fundraising amount required for each plunger (which goes to Special Olympics Vermont), so once you register you’ll be prompted to set up a fundraising page and collect donations.

• Raise Funds for Special Olympics Vermont: After registering, spread the word to gather donations for your plunge. Participants often use social media, email, and community events to ask for pledges. Every dollar goes toward Special Olympics Vermont’s programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Organizers even offer incentives for hitting fundraising milestones – for example, plungers can earn a commemorative Penguin Plunge beach towel or a limited-edition beanie as a token of thanks for their support (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX).

• Dress Up and Plunge: On Plunge day, wear warm layers to the event – and if you’re bold, prepare a fun costume or matching team outfit to make the icy dip even more memorable! In past Penguin Plunges, participants have worn everything from tropical shirts and tutus to superhero costumes. Creativity is encouraged (just make sure you can swim in it). When your moment comes, you’ll join a wave of fellow fundraisers running into Lake Champlain’s frosty waters. Rescue divers and safety personnel are on hand, and a heated changing tent is usually available for plungers to warm up afterward, so while the plunge is certainly freezing, it’s done with safety and comfort in mind.

• Donate to a Plunger or Team: If jumping into near-freezing water isn’t your cup of tea, you can still be part of the Penguin Plunge Vermont spirit by donating. Pick a friend, family member, or local team who is plunging and contribute to their fundraising goal. Every contribution, big or small, helps Special Olympics Vermont and motivates the plungers to take the leap. The official Penguin Plunge website lists all registered participants and teams, making it easy to find someone to support.

• Attend and Cheer: The Penguin Plunge is as much a community spectator event as it is a participant event. Bundle up and head to the Burlington Waterfront to cheer on the plungers! Spectators gather along the shore at Waterfront Park to watch the action (often with signs and costumes of their own). The atmosphere is festive – complete with music, hot chocolate, and plenty of encouragement for the “penguins.” If you’re attending, just dress warmly (think winter hat, gloves, and boots) because standing on the snowy shore of Lake Champlain can be chilly. Your energy and cheers will help plungers sprint into and out of the water that much faster.

However you choose to be involved, know that you are contributing to a cause that directly benefits Vermont athletes and promotes inclusion. As the event slogan goes, participants are truly “Freezin’ for a Reason!”

Impact on Special Olympics Vermont Athletes

The Penguin Plunge’s impact goes far beyond the brief shock of cold water – the funds raised make a real difference for Special Olympics Vermont athletes across the state. Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) provides year-round sports training, competitions, health programs, and leadership opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The money raised each winter through plunges helps sustain these programs and expand their reach.

Consider these facts: Special Olympics Vermont serves over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and partners with about 1,400 Unified partners (teammates without disabilities who train and compete alongside the athletes) annually. Together, they participate in 13 Olympic-style sports and numerous local and state competitions throughout the year. All of these activities – from basketball tournaments and skiing in the Winter Games to health screenings and leadership training – require resources. The Penguin Plunge directly funds nearly half of SOVT’s annual budget, ensuring those programs can continue to thrive.

Funds from the Plunge support everything from new sports equipment and facility rentals to coaching, athlete health initiatives, and travel scholarships for athletes to attend competitions. “All proceeds from this fundraising event support Special Olympics sports training and competition opportunities, health screenings, and leadership training for those right here in Vermont,” one local organizer emphasized. In other words, when a Burlington resident jumps into Lake Champlain in February, they’re helping a Vermont athlete receive a season of basketball coaching, or a new uniform, or a chance to compete in the summer games – opportunities that can be life-changing.

Special Olympics athletes and their families deeply appreciate what the Penguin Plunge makes possible. Many athletes even come out to watch or take part in the Plunge festivities. As one Vermont athlete shared at the 2024 Penguin Plunge kickoff, she loves Special Olympics “because [she has] made a lot of friends” through it – and she “love[s] to win” in competition. Those friendships, victories, and joyful experiences on the playing field are exactly what Penguin Plunge donors and participants are supporting. The event’s impact is seen in the smiles and confidence of athletes who get to train, compete, and shine, thanks to a community that believes in them.

Memorable Moments and Community Spirit

Part of what makes the Burlington Penguin Plunge so special is the infectious excitement and camaraderie surrounding the event. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a community celebration in the depths of winter. Over the years, the Plunge has produced countless memorable moments that participants and spectators still talk about.

For one, the costumes and team themes are a highlight. Plunge teams often coordinate outrageous outfits to add humor (and a little insulation!) to their icy dip. There have been plungers in tropical Hawaiian shirts and leis sprinting into the snow-fringed lake, groups of friends in matching neon shirts, and even duos dressed as grandma and grandpa – complete with gray wigs and canes – gingerly wading into the water only to sprint back out amid laughter. In one past Plunge, a hearty member of the community even climbed up onto the edge of the ice and executed a cannonball jump into Lake Champlain’s February waters, to the delight of the crowd. Each wave of participants tries to one-up the last, leading to a parade of creativity (and a lot of very cold, very happy people).

The range of people who participate is truly all-encompassing. Everyone from age 7 to 70+ has been known to take the Penguin Plunge. You’ll see college students, including a big contingent from UVM, alongside teachers, police officers, local business owners, nurses, parents, and even children, all lining up to run into the lake for charity. The University of Vermont often fields a large team (“Team Catamount” and others); one year UVM students raised over $7,000 and brought one of the biggest groups. Entire families sometimes plunge together, and various Vermont companies rally employees to join in as a team-building exercise. It’s common to have over a thousand participants taking the plunge in Burlington on a big year, illustrating how widespread the community support is.

Spectators, for their part, are enthusiastic and somewhat awestruck. Hundreds of Burlingtonians turn out to watch the Plunge, clapping and cheering for each shivering team. The event organizers usually blare upbeat music (past plunges have featured tunes like The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA” and Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” for comic effect) to keep the atmosphere fun. The collective energy helps push each new group of plungers to run into the water. Often you’ll hear gasps and laughs – one onlooker was overheard exclaiming “They’re crazy!” as a crowd of costumed participants splashed into the lake. But as crazy as it looks, everyone knows it’s for a good cause, and most plungers emerge from the 33°F water with wide grins and a sense of accomplishment.

Past participants describe the Penguin Plunge as an addictive blend of adrenaline and altruism. “Our team had a great time... It’s always a great time for a great cause, and we’re already looking forward to next year,” said Lance Potter, a Burlington plunger who captained a corporate team, after a record-breaking Plunge event. That sentiment is shared by many who’ve done it – once you’ve experienced the rush of running into Lake Champlain in February, and you see the positive impact it has, you can’t wait to do it again. The Penguin Plunge creates a genuine sense of unity in Burlington. For one weekend each winter, it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to accomplish something remarkable (and a little wild) for their community. As Special Olympics Vermont puts it, the Plunge exemplifies “inclusion and acceptance” – values that are felt in the camaraderie on the waterfront and the shared mission behind every chilly dive.

Event Details for the 2025 Burlington Penguin Plunge

Mark your calendars, Burlington: the 2025 Penguin Plunge weekend is almost here! This year’s event is extra special, as it celebrates the 30th Annual Penguin Plunge in Burlington – three decades of freezing fun for a cause (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX). Here’s what you need to know to join in or attend the upcoming Plunge:

• Dates & Times: The Penguin Plunge festivities will take place on the weekend of February 8–9, 2025 (Penguin Plunge 2025 | Special Olympics VT). The main event is on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, with plunging scheduled to start at 11:00 AM. (Plan to arrive earlier if you’re plunging, as check-in and pre-plunge staging will happen before 11.) The Plunge activities and celebrations will continue into the afternoon, and additional community activities are slated through Sunday at 4:00 PM (Penguin Plunge 2025 | Special Olympics VT). (Feb 9 is likely a continuation of festivities or an awards/celebration day; the actual plunging is expected to occur on Feb 8.)

• Location: Waterfront Park, 20 Lake Street, Burlington, VT. The event happens at the Burlington Waterfront on Lake Champlain, behind ECHO Center and near the Lake Champlain ferry docks. Participants will dash into the lake from the boat-launch area or a roped-off section of the shore. Look for tents and signage for Penguin Plunge when you arrive. The backdrop of the Adirondacks and the frozen lake makes for a stunning (if chilly) venue (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX).

• Parking & Logistics: Parking is available in downtown Burlington and at nearby lots (such as College Street Garage or Lake Street lot), but plan for crowds. Many roads near Waterfront Park may be closed or have directed traffic for the event. If you live in town, walking, carpooling, or taking public transport is recommended. Plungers will have a gear check or changing tent to store belongings and towel off after their dip. Hot beverages are typically available on site for everyone to stay warm.

• Schedule of Events: Saturday, 2/8: The excitement kicks off in the late morning. At 11:00 AM, the “Cool Schools Plunge” will likely start – this is a special wave of students and school teams from across Vermont taking the first dip. Not long after, around 12:00 PM, the main Community Plunge begins for all other teams and individuals. Teams will take turns running into the lake in groups. Expect the plunging to last through early afternoon if there are many participants. On shore, a “Winter Village” area will offer food, warm drinks, music, and activities for spectators and plungers before and after their turn. By mid-afternoon Saturday, everyone will have plunged and an informal award or recognition ceremony may happen (for top fundraisers, best costumes, etc.). Sunday, 2/9: While no new plunges occur on Sunday, the spirit continues with possible meet-ups or gratitude events. This day might be used for any overflow activities or simply as the timeframe for event breakdown. For attendees, Sunday could be a great time to enjoy Burlington’s waterfront if you’re still in a Penguin Plunge mood (perhaps go for a chilly walk to appreciate why jumping in the lake is such a feat!).

• 2025 Registration: Registration for the 2025 Burlington Penguin Plunge is open now. As of this writing, locals are forming teams and collecting donations in anticipation of the big day. You can register or donate up until the event (and even a little after, if you’re supporting a team). To sign up, visit the official Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge page (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX) or the PenguinPlunge.org site and follow the instructions. Day-of registrations might be allowed in person, but it’s best to sign up in advance to meet fundraising goals and secure your spot.

Whether you plan to plunge, volunteer, or watch from the sidelines, the Burlington Penguin Plunge is an experience that embodies the best of Vermont’s community spirit. It takes a bit of crazy and a lot of heart – qualities Burlington has in abundance. As you witness costumed jumpers leaping into Lake Champlain’s icy embrace, you’ll feel the warmth of a community united for a cause. Don’t miss the 30th annual Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge on Feb 8, 2025 – it’s winter fun at its coolest, and it’s all for the athletes who inspire us to be brave and inclusive year-round. Come join the plunge or cheer on the “penguins,” and be part of a uniquely Burlington tradition that’s making waves for good.

Sources:

• Special Olympics Vermont – Penguin Plunge Event Description & History (Penguin Plunge 2025 | 95 Triple X - WXXX) (Special Olympics Vermont on Instagram)

• Lake Champlain Chamber – 2024 Penguin Plunge Fundraiser Overview

• Special Olympics Vermont – 2024 Penguin Plunge Press Release (29th Annual) (Current News | Vermont Business Magazine)

• Vermont Federal Credit Union – Press Release on 22nd Annual Penguin Plunge (2017)

• The Vermont Cynic – Eyewitness account of 2009 Penguin Plunge (costumes & atmosphere)

• MyChamplainValley News – Preview of Penguin Plunge schedule (Cool Schools & Community Plunge)

• Special Olympics Vermont – Athlete Quote on Special Olympics friendships & competition