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A few brave souls will face the elements Saturday afternoon when the annual Thanks4Giving Plunge returns to Asbury Park.

Held in support of the Special Olympics New Jersey [SONJ], the Plunge kicks off at 1 p.m. at the beach just north of the Convention Hall, located at 1300 Ocean Ave.

The Special Olympics New Jersey works throughout the year to provide training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-style sports for over 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The programs are free of charge and aimed at helping individuals physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The event is organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run [LETR].

“We’re excited to be back in Asbury Park to kick off the Plunge season, and we’re expecting great weather again this year,” said Torch Run Director Robert Belfiore, a retired of Port Authority Police of New York & New Jersey chief. “The Plunges are an important part of the fundraising we do for SONJ.”

With a goal of raising more than $20,000, this year’s Thanks4Giving Plunge will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, with registration opening at 10 a.m. inside the Grand Arcade, located at 1300 Ocean Ave. Participants can register as individuals or a part of a team of 10 or more.

“Plungers get to come out for a good time, and also meet and plunge with some of the Special Olympics athletes,” Belfiore said. “It’s a rewarding experience…because they get to see the impact the money they raised makes.”

A Post-Plunge Bash, featuring live music and a discounted food menu, will be held following the event at The Wonder Bar, located at 1213 Ocean Ave. Admission is free for plungers, $10 for guests.

The event is apart of the LETR’s fundraising campaigns, which include the Torch Run, Polar Bear Plunges, Plane Pull, Dodgetoberfest, multiple 5K runs, golf outings, and other events. Last year, they raised more than $3.7 million.

Thanks4Giving Plunge in Asbury Park is sponsored by Hollston Realty Group and Northeast Home Construction, with contributions from Madison Marquette, the owners of Asbury Park Convention Hall and The Wonder Bar.

For more information, click here.

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