Special Olympics' Polar Bear Plunge

In less than 2 months, family, friends, as well as Chris and I, are about to embark on a very *cold* journey as we participate in team CAT Crew's 2nd Special Olympics of NJ Polar Bear Plunge. In our 1st year participating, CAT Crew raised over $38,000 for for the Special Olympics of NJ. It was such a great experience and we were proud to be the 2nd best fundraising team there! To take a look back at our first year, click here.



We are just as excited to take the dip this year and have started our fundraising efforts. This is the letter that we sent out to friends, family and coworkers...

Hi Everyone!

It's that time of year again...time to jump in the Atlantic Ocean in February (*gasp*) for a wonderful cause! It's time for the Special Olympics' Polar Bear Plunge held in Seaside Heights, NJ on February 26, 2011! Last year, team CAT Crew raised over $38,000 in our first year ever in Colin's name.

As many of you know, our son Colin was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. The polar bear plunge is our way of raising money in his honor for an organization that provides wonderful opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. The mission of the Special Olympics New Jersey is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Colin works so hard on a daily basis to achieve skills and tasks that come easily to other children. He shows us every day the potential we all possess to accomplish goals, all with a smile on his face. We couldn't be more proud than to be parents for the most loving and special little boy.

Although I will not be able to fully plunge this year (I'm not so sure Colin's little brother or sister will appreciate the dip very much!), I will still be showing my support up to my thighs. If you are interested, there are several ways you can show your support for Colin...

1. Join our team, CAT Crew! By clicking on this link, you can join CAT Crew and help us to raise funds for such a great cause and take a dip in the ocean in February!
- Click "Join our team"
- Agree to the waiver
- Fill out the page to officially join CAT Crew.

2. Donate to CAT Crew by donating through my special page. By clicking on this link, you can donate to my fundraising page to show your support for Colin. If you are not comfortable donating online, there is an option to print out a form that you can mail in.

3. Cheer on team CAT Crew as we support Colin in February!

Thank you for all of your support that you have shown us so far. Colin, Chris and I look forward to having you join us!

Love,
The Tobins
Chris, Kelli, and Colin

If you are interested in donating or joining CAT Crew, please use the links above...we would love to have your support!!

We hope one day, Colin will be a proud participant of the Special Olympics. For more information on the Special Olympics of NJ, please click here.