Still “Going for the Cold”: VNG’s 2026 Polar Plunge

For almost 30 years, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has proudly embraced the chill, suiting up each winter to “Go for the Cold” in support of the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Virginia. What began as a small group of dedicated employee plungers has evolved into one of VNG’s longest running and most impactful community traditions, championing inclusion, athletic opportunity and year‑round support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

This year, Team VNG made one of its strongest showings yet, with nearly 50 employees, family members and friends braving the icy Atlantic Ocean. This was the coldest year, yet! Team VNG raised over $20K with a company sponsorship bringing this year’s total to $35,741. Their enthusiasm translated into remarkable generosity:

• More than $15,000 raised in donations for Special Olympics Virginia.
• Hundreds of volunteer hours contributed to event setup, day‑of operations, athlete support and post‑event cleanup.

VNG volunteers helped build the event footprint, assisted Special Olympics staff with logistics throughout the day and ensured a smooth wrap‑up after thousands of plungers cleared the beach, continuing the company’s legacy of hands‑on service.

Across nearly three decades of participation, VNG and its employees have contributed more than $500,000 to support Special Olympics programs across Virginia. These contributions help deliver:

• Training and coaching for year‑round sports programs
• Competitions and regional events for athletes
• Leadership opportunities that build confidence and community
• Health screenings and wellness services that support long‑term athlete wellbeing

This longstanding partnership underscores VNG’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities, where every athlete has the opportunity to shine.