Welcome to the AB Penguin Plunge!
The Penguin Plunge is a charitable Event held in Atlantic Beach, NC, where we gather on January 1st each year and jump into the ocean to support local charities. We are a non-profit dedicated to raising and collecting donations through this event for Carteret County charities!
YOUR donation makes a lasting impact and supports our local charities!
Become a PENGUIN!
Unable to make the Event, YOUR Donation still makes a Difference!
Even the smallest donation helps us reach our goal and supports the 2027 charities!
Make a DONATION Today!!
Become a Sponsor and Join the Cause!
We’re gearing up for the 2027 Penguin Plunge on Jan. 1st, and we’re inviting YOU to be part of the excitement! Our sponsors get special recognition all year leading up to the event, so early involvement means more mentions! Several donation levels include your logo printed on our shirts! Plus, all sponsor donations are fully tax-deductible!
This Year's Charity
The Penguin Plunge Board is proud to announce the 2027 event charity is the Carteret Literacy Council.
The Carteret Literacy Council's goal is to help at-risk children thrive by disproving the belief that literacy and poverty are connected and showing that generational cycles can indeed be overcome.
- Middle School proficiency averages:
- Reading - 46%
- Math - 40%
- High School proficiency averages:
- Reading - 29%
- Math - 45%
Our goal is for students under the umbrella of the Carteret Literacy Council to increase their testing scores by 10%, through the three components of our new initiative; Child Handup, Mobile Learning Lab (Innovation Station), and Read Alouds. Visit their site for details
Another Very Successful Penguin Plunge!!
A HUGE Thank You!! to everyone who came out in support of our 2026 Penguin Plunge and these two Charities!!
Crystal Coast Hospice House
Hand 2 Hand Down East, Inc
2026 Event Donation Awards!!
We are proud to announce, that due to our gracious sponsors, volunteers, and the 762 brave participants, we are able to raise $17,000 !!
Crystal Coast Hospice House and Hand 2 Hand Down East each received a $8,500 donation!
NEWS from the ICE SHELF
🐧 5/03/26 - CALLING ALL Sponsors!! Join Us and be part of a great cause!
Accepting Sponsors for the January 1, 2027, Penguin Plunge. Some donation levels include your logo printed on our shirts! Our sponsors get special recognition all year leading up to the event, so early involvement means more mentions! Visit our Sponsorship Page.
🐧 2/10/26 - Are you a 501(c)3 charity looking for support?
Applications for the 1/1/2027 event will be accepted starting March of 2026. Applications are due by April 15th, 2026. See "Charity App" link above.
🐧 10/25/25 - Dive Into Something Amazing — Join the Penguin Plunge Board!
The Penguin Plunge is looking for a few enthusiastic Penguins to help make the January 1st event in Atlantic Beach, NC unforgettable. If you love community, creativity, and a splash of fun, we want YOU!
✨ Be part of the magic
📅 Be available around New Year’s Day
💬 Love talking to sponsors? Even better!
🌟 Ready to lead long-term? We’re listening!
✅ Ready to take the Plunge? Email us at: penguinplunge2004@gmail.com with a little information about yourself!
Our 2026/27 SPONSORS!
Become a SPONSOR!
As a Sponsor, businesses are recognized for their community support and are offered increased brand recognition. Company logos are posted on the event website, social media outlets, and printed on event tee shirts and sweatshirts. There are several ‘Penguin’ levels of sponsorships. Each donation level has increasing benefits. Deadline for logos to be printed on shirts is December 1st!
ANY amount (from individuals and/or businesses) is welcomed as a tax-deductible donation towards the selected charity.
Support the Penguin Plunge and Carteret County charities by becoming a Sponsor today!
“The team at Penguin Plunge truly made the event magical. Their attention to detail and professionalism were unmatched.”
[Penguin Plunge Volunteers]
Take the Plunge!
Atlantic Beach, NC
Join us on 01/01/27 at Atlantic Beach, NC near our location sponsor!
On Site Registration opens at 10 AM!
Location
Penguin Plunge at Circle Regional Beach Access
201 W Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512