Polar Bear Plunge 2024

2024 Polar Bear Plunge Dance-A-Thon

The Polar Bear Plunge has been a long-standing tradition supporting Catholic Education for the families of Mater Dei Catholic School. For the past 15 years, our school has participated in the Polar Bear Plunge to help families give their children the gift of Catholic Education. A team of 8 original Plungers began this tradition in 2009. They gathered sponsors who supported their plunge into the chilly Atlantic Ocean to raise funds for Tuition Assistance. Each year, our plunge team grew bigger and better. In 2020, our Mater Dei Plunge Team included over 112 members who gathered in Sea Isle City for a memorable day. Despite Sea Isle canceling their plunge event, we are deeply committed to raising funds for Tuition Assistance. We will host our second Polar Bear Plunge Dance-A-Thon this year, and all students and families are invited to participate. Our goal is to raise $80,000, and we need your help!

How to Support the 2024 Polar Bear Plunge

  • Collect pledges:
    • Each Family will get a bright orange envelope to collect pledges from family and friends to support your family's efforts in raising funds for tuition assistance.
    • In honor of 16 years of Polar Bear Plunges, we ask each family to try to secure 16 pledges for the Dance-A-Thon.
    • Sponsors can make an online, a cash, or check donation to 2024 MD Polar Bear Plunge.
      • Checks should be made payable to: Mater Dei Catholic School.
      • Click HERE for online donations.
  • Purchase Spiritwear:
    • Get your Plunge Dance-A-Thon Spiritwear gear by clicking HERE.
    • Polar Bear Plunge spiritwear orders are due on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM. Get your hoodies, crewneck, and t-shirts today. Items are available in adult and youth sizes.
    • Spiritwear purchases will be charged to your family's FACTS account. Spiritwear will be sent home on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
    • Students may wear Plunge Spiritwear to Pep Rally and Dance-A-Thon on Friday, February 2, 2024.
  • Register for Plunge Dance-A-Thon:
    • All students will kick off the Polar Plunge Dance-A-Thon during the school day on Friday, February 2nd. It will be a great Day of Dancing for Tuition Assistance. Each family is asked to get 16 pledges to sponsor student(s) dancing!
    • Friday, February 2, 2024, from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM in Mater Dei Catholic Gym.
    • All families are invited to join us to our first Polar Plunge Dance-A-Thon.
    • Registration Fee - $16 per family
    • Polar Bear Plunge Dance-A-Thon Menu:
      • Available for Pre-order on the registration form.
        • Plunge Pizza Pie (8 slices) - $17.00
        • Polar Pizza Meal (includes 1 slice of pizza, a bag of chips, water) - $5.00
        • Polar Dog Meal (includes 1 hot dog, a bag of chips, water) - $5.00
    • Special dances and surprises will be featured every half hour along with a fun Polar Plunge Dance-A-Thon Photo Booth.
    • Register your family below for the Plunge Dance-A-Thon and food orders.
  • Canning at Masses:
    • When? January 27-28, 2024
    • Where? At Saint Stanislaus Church, Saint Maria Goretti Church, and Saint Rose of Lima Church at all weekend Masses
    • Who? All Mater Dei Families
    • How? After Communion, look for a Mater Dei faculty or staff member who will give you a hat to collect donations at the church door exits. Return the donation to the staff member when finished. A sign-up form will be shared soon.
  • Pep Rally:
    • To build our excitement for raising funds for tuition assistance, join us for our Plunge Dance-A-Thon Pep Rally.
    • Friday, February 2, 2024 at 9:30 AM in Mater Dei Catholic School Gym
    • All parents are invited to join us to see our Pep Squads and the Class of 2024 Plunge Skit!

Important Dates

  • January 10, 2024
    • Registration opens for Dance-A-Thon
    • Pledge envelopes sent home
  • January 10, 2024 to February 2, 2024
    • Collect donations from family and friends to sponsor each student for the Dance-A-Thon. 
  • January 17, 2024
    • Last day to purchase items for spiritwear sale.
  • January 27-28, 2024
    • Collecting donations or "canning" after Parish Masses
  • February 2, 2024
    • 9:30 AM - Pep Rally for Dance-A-Thon
    • Day of Dancing for Tuition Assistance at Mater Dei
      • School Day - Kick Off Event with students
      • 5:30 - 7:30 PM Plunge Dance-A-Thon
    • Return Pledge envelopes to school

Mater Dei Catholic School

Seek Jesus in Others
"Seek Jesus in Others" is our focus for the new year. The creation story teaches us that God did not intend for us to live in isolation, but more importantly, we are made for each other. "Seeking Jesus in Others" reminds us to find the good in one another and to validate each person's dignity. By focusing on our relationships with one another, we will continue to create a sense of belongingness for all community members to mirror our hallmarks of Faith, Excellence, Service, and Community.

FAITH

EXCELLENCE

SERVICE

students at gym fundraiser

COMMUNITY

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