REHOBOTH BEACH — Sunday, at 1 p.m. is the date and time for one of Delaware’s largest fundraising events — the Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge

The Plunge, celebrating its 31st year, began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Last year, 2,298 Bears raised more than $700,000 participating in virtual plunges across the state and region.

Options this year are to join those on the beach along the boardwalk that day or plunge on your own whenever and wherever you please. Either way, it adds up to support for Special Olympics Delaware, which serves some 4,200 athletes in the First State.

To register, participants put down a $10 deposit and a commitment to raise a minimum of $75 by Sunday. Or they can pay the full $75 at first and continue to fundraise until the day of the plunge.

Bears can join the event individually, create a team or join an existing one. If a team participates virtually, members can all gather in one place or plunge in separate locations.

Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $13.7 million, supporting the organization’s year-round mission of providing sports training and competition along with health, education and leadership programs for over 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“We are very excited to be back in person on the beach for the plunge,” said SODE executive director David Halley. “That being said, we will never forget how the true spirit of this event shined through last year with more than 2,000 people plunging virtually to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the plunge.”

In addition to the in-person Plunge, many virtual Plunges are taking place at schools and in backyards.

Saturday activities include a 5k Run to the Plunge, sand sculpting demonstration and a restaurant chili tasting contest.

More information on the Plunge and all weekend events can be found here.