Long Branch has been chosen to host the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics New Jersey event as Seaside Heights continues efforts to restore its beachfront that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

The 20th annual plunge was held in Seaside Heights for the last six years, but Pier Village will be the home of this year's charitable event which will take place today, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

All plungers must raise a minimum of $100 to participate, and incentives will be given for higher fundraising levels.

Thousands of people participate in the Polar Bear Plunge each year, with over 5,900 brave souls jumping into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean last February in Seaside Heights. Those plungers raised over $1.4 million for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.

Radio station NJ 101.5’s Big Joe Henry, will broadcast live on Plunge Day with interviews, updates and a countdown to Plunge.

For more information, visit www.njpolarplunge.org or call 609-896-8000.