Every dream starts small. For Mega Jump founder Dustin Grice, it started with a simple but bold idea — to jump his bike into the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota. The idea sounded crazy, even impossible at the time. For nearly five years, every time he brought it up, the answer was no. But Dustin kept believing there was a way to make it happen.
When the opportunity finally came, he didn’t have a team or a big plan — just determination. That first year, he took on the plunge alone, raising over $10,000 for Special Olympics athletes. It wasn’t easy. Fundraising can be challenging, and putting yourself out there is never comfortable. But that first jump was about more than a stunt — it was about showing that even the coldest challenges can be overcome with persistence and heart.
The next year, a few teammates joined him. Then a few more. By year three, there were around a dozen riders plunging together. The momentum kept building — two dozen, three dozen, and before long, nearly 50 team members were taking the plunge side by side. What started as one person’s goal became a growing community effort, each rider inspired by the same purpose: to support Special Olympics athletes and to stand for inclusion, courage, and never giving up.
Since that first jump, the Mega Jump team has raised more than $60,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. Each year, the Polar Plunge has become one of the most meaningful events on our calendar — a time when athletes who perform in front of crowds all year long come together to cheer for a different kind of athlete. Supporting Special Olympics is a reminder of why we do what we do — to inspire others to push through fear, chase their goals, and believe in themselves.
Looking back, none of this happened overnight. It took years of persistence, teamwork, and faith in a simple idea. That’s what the Polar Plunge represents for our team — proof that hard work, community, and a little courage can turn any dream into something much bigger than you ever imagined.
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1,000+ People Have Donated!
From our simple idea that was turned down nearly a decade ago, to believing in trying again and now celebrating a remarkable milestone of $60,000, our Special Olympics Polar Plunge campaign has evolved into a transformative movement within our community of riders, thanks to your generous support.
2018: $10,000 A. Cheney, Adam Clarke, AJ Anayalater, Alert Apparel & Promotions, Alison Fisher, Andrea Tedder, Andrew Krickle, Ange Hwang, c/o Asian Media Access, Annie Caplette, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anthony Lickteig, Ashley Hazel, Ashley Turner Baltzell, Auntie Abby, Bailey Mollberg, Ben Bisek, Benton, shay, brandon, BikeDT, Bobby Ice, Brandon Schade, Brenda Wherry, Brianna Hansen, Bryan Bucknell, Butch Lehman, Caleb Gilbertson, Caswell, Cathy J Frances, Claire Erdal, Dan Darco, Darryl Nau, Derek Strong, Designer’s Attic PR, @demoray2, Donald redmon, Doug Griess, Doug Miers, Ed & Tamara Ward, Emily Dove & Ollie Larson, emily fenske, Emily Roberts, Erik hortsch, Erik Moe & Family, Evan Moyle, G Grandpa and grandma Stewart, G. Grandpa & Grandma Z., Gage Carbajal, Gerilyn Luka, Gibby, Ginger Triathlete, Goosebonger, Grampa T & Baba, Grandma and grandpa Zimmer, Grandpa & Grandma Hanson, Holmes, Imprint Engine, Imprint Engine, Jake Loberg, Jake Walz, Jamie K, Jamie Love, Jay Schlie, Jean Foster & Family, Jeff and Beth ride Arizona, Jeff Brustad, Jeff McLearen, Jessica & Justin Zimmer, Jodie Fenske, Joe and Ali, John Bovee, John&Liz Burns, Joni Griess, Joni Griess, Joseph W Mahaney II, Justin Mexicoooooo, K Heazy, Kady Griess offline donation, Kady Weigel, Kalie Christian, Kayla Bourdeaux, Kitty Stonelake, Klein Family, Lana Vondette in honour of Breane, Larsons, Laura Lopez, Lauren Gorjanc, Leah Patrick, Louanne Cheever, Mak Attack, Make Happiness, Marcy and Joel, Margo Moen, Mary Schroedl, Matt Griess, Matthew Tinker, Michele and Carson, Mike “Cancer Killa” Wilson, Mike G, Missy Sundheim, Mr & Mrs B., Nicki Lemmon Yoga & Friends, Nowear BMX, Oliver Larson, Oliver Larson, Ona Smart, Paula May, Philip Goldman, Randy Rosario, @rddocrew, Ride MN, Ride MN, Ride MN, Ride Out Supply, Rob Penningroth, Robe Keehn, Robert Luna, Sara Kindig, Sarah Gorski, Sellers Family, Send it, Shad Holland, Shane & Les Crow, Shane,Elisa,Jessie,Brianna Hansen, Shaylynn Brady, SIG, Sota Clothing, Stephanie Aich, Stephanie Aich, Tara Fogarty, Team OCHO, The Anstedt family, The Bleymeyers, The crew at Zorbaz on Pokegama Lake, The Eiden family, The Factory 24 Bike Park, The Guetter’s, The Heim Family, The Lobergs, The Rea/Hiltunen Family, The Shimanski’s, The Tollefson’s, Tim Helmer, Tom Dougherty, Toni Anderson, Tori Rowley, TuftyBuilt, Uncle Jason, Valento Family, Westby family, Wingnut tattoo, Zach Johnson, Zimmer Family, Dustin Grice
2019: Alayna, Alivia & Megan Reed, Alix, Alayna, Colten, Josh, Anaya Brothers, Angie Short, B. Brice, Brynne Hempel, Butch Lehman, Cathy Frances, Cody’s Roommates!, Colten, Danielle Bloomquist, Donna Mama, Doug Griess, DWA & Joshua Guyer, Ed & Tam Ward, Gage Carbajal, Gene & Ila Classen, Grandma & Grandpa Zimmer, Great Grandpa Zimmer, Griffin Wigley, Happy Jumping, Harris Family, Ivan Anaya, Janet Alden, Jason Tufty, Jessica Zimmer, Jodie Fenske, Joey Vig, Joni Griess, Josh Guyer, Karl, Leslie Crow, Mandie Johnson, Marcy & Joel, Marcy Brust, Mary Baker, Molly P, Mom & Pops Short!, Naomi Ragatz, Paul Howlett, Rebecca Brice, Rena Lehman, Ron Loberg, Sandy Lherault, Sarah Gorski, Sexton’s, Shannon Monson, Sophia Christian, stephane pannier, Steve Stonelake, Tapa Dan, The Lobergs, The Lucitos, The Roommates!, The Shimanski’s, Tom Dougherty, Tre Dog, Victoria Buck, Winna Bernard, Yoga MN & Nicki Schwamb, Zach Raph Hair, Zimmer Family, Dustin Grice
2020: 10kviewsminnesota, AJ Fox Aka 8 Mile, Amy Clark – “Ghost Jumper”, Annette Thompson, Anonymous, ATV Big Air Tour, Bob, Spring, Jens and Emily Loberg, Brandt Rohman & Bug Commander, Brian Sturdevant, Butch & Roll Minnesota, Cathy J Frances, Chad Johnson, Dad and Jen, Dani & Rob Bleymeyer, Darlene Loberg & Mark Gans, Dave and Barb, Eric, Fillmore St Rock-n-Roll Church, Gingertriathlete, Grandma Hanson, Hanna, Jackie Colesworthy, Jan & Bill, Jeffrey Troldahl, Joni Griess, Julie Rea, Karla, Laura Lopez, Laura Lopez, lizLars and Amy Loberg, Love you!!, Lynn and Jim Doppler, Maia, Marcy Brust, Mary and Mark, Mitch Thunell, Monica and George, Oscar Windsperger, Paul and Margaret, Paula May, Ride MN & Mega Jump Show, Ross W, Sarah Gorski, Shad Holland, Stevo, Stoff, Sue Johnson, Tami Goudy, The Lobergs, The Zimmer family, Todd R, Tom Kieffer, Vicki L LaPlante, Winna, Work Wife #2 2022: Alyx Grabinger, Jess Mckenzie, Nick Kraushaar, Carl Wilking, Dustin Grice, Jake Anderson, Katie Skepper, Alexander Peterson, Derek Strong, Brianna Hansen, Jason Czeskleba, Kyle Heaser, Celeste Colby, Johnathan Bovee, Rachel Estepp, Douglas Adams, Ryan Yost, Matthew Cronin, David Laing, Chase Bilich, Josh Palmer, Drew Lofgren, Steph Smetana, Dan Webb, Narayan Brown, Robert Picht, Mason Lien, Carisa Kern, Tony Butler, Stefan Schultz, Sarah Aulik, Ariel Johnson, Roman Webb, Josef Betts, Cody Davis, Jessie Zeien. 2020 On-Site Event Support: Aaron Belford, Micah Nordberg, Erica Wyman, Special Olympics Minnesota, Minneapolis Law Enforcement.
2021 Covid Year!
2022 Team Members: Alyx Grabinger, Jess Mckenzie, Nick Kraushaar, Carl Wilking, Dustin Grice, Jake Anderson, Katie Skepper, Alexander Peterson, Derek Strong, Brianna Hansen, Jason Czeskleba, Kyle Heaser, Celeste Colby, Johnathan Bovee, Rachel Estepp, Douglas Adams, Ryan Yost, Matthew Cronin, David Laing, Chase Bilich, Josh Palmer, Drew Lofgren, Steph Smetana, Dan Webb, Narayan Brown, Robert Picht, Mason Lien, Carisa Kern, Tony Butler, Stefan Schultz, Sarah Aulik, Ariel Johnson, Roman Webb, Josef Betts, Cody Davis, Jessie Zeien. 2022 On-Site Event Support: Aaron Belford, Micah Nordberg, Erica Wyman, Special Olympics Minnesota, Minneapolis Law Enforcement.
2023 Team Members: Alexander Peterson, Dustin Grice, Nick Kraushaar, Jake Anderson, Ariel Johnson, Paul Howlett, Robert Picht, Monica Peterson, Michael Schwandt, Glenn Dussl, Brent Growe, Anthony Curtis, Richard Skibsted, Troy Benak, Cloee Graham, Roberto Vazquez, Brianna Hansen, Nick Rogers, Cassie Rogers, Danielle Thies, Maliyah west, Ryan Cady, Misty Benak, Kyle Heaser (Plunge), Kyle Heaser (Corporate Hour), Quinton Peterson, Ryan Larson, Josef Betts, Kaylee Voigt, Rachel Estepp, Douglas Adams, Andrew Goring, Jess McKenzie, Ross Monson, Johnathan Bovee, Jeremiah VanBockern, Deegan Oliver, Narayan Brown, David Laing, Cody Davis, Derek Strong, Jason Czeskleba. 2023 Off-Site Donation Support: Cathy J Frances, Sam Moe, Dustin Grice, Bob & Mary, The Wahlberg Family!, Mark Costabilo, nj0utlaw, Andres R Rivera, RedFalconSS, Brambo, croutondust, Frank Costabilo, Miss Dodi, Alexander Peterson, Joni Griess, Russell Harwell, Jodie Fenske, Tufty, Marcy Brust, Christi Schuda, Bobby Picht, DJ- AZ, Caswell and his rad rippers bike group, Cindy Lu Snyder, Chris Seberg, Travis R, Darlene Lazer, Brian Kraushaar, Annette Anderson, Candace, Kim, MeeRa Bankers, Paul Howlett, Doug H, Rob Keehn, Kevin & Bethany Schmoll, Tori Palpant, Lennea, Laura & Alex, Ariel, Amanda, Jamie, Gina Rogala, Victor, Rachel and David Schwandt, Max, Shawn and staci, Carrie, Angelica Dee, Richard Skibsted, Carrie Benak, AngelCakes, Carrie Graham, ROBERTO VAZQUEZ, Cassie Rogers, Nick Rogers, Joel C, Hamsters Inc, Peace of Home Cleaning Service, Flika and Michael, Heazy. 2023 On-Site Event Support: Micah Nordberg, Erica Wyman, Special Olympics Minnesota, Minneapolis Law Enforcement.
2024 $50,390 Team Members: Dustin Grice, Jake Anderson, Alexander Peterson, Brianna Hansen, Eleisha Keen, Micah Norberg, Monica Peterson, Jeremy Wahlberg, Douglas Adams, Rachel Estepp, Robert Picht, Cody Davis, David Laing, Erica Wyman, Nick Langer, Brent Growe, Josef Betts, Siera Himmerich, Rochelle Sheck, Roberto Vazquez, Nick Kraushaar, Deegan Oliver, Ariel Johnson, Carisa Kern, Johnathan Bovee, Cory DeRosier, Jason Nels, Narayan Brown, 2024 Off-Site Donation Support: Dustin Grice, Imprint Engine, Paul Anderson, Annette Anderson, Jon and Lynn Norberg, Joni Griess, Cathy J Frances, 206 Neighbor, Derek Strong, Alex’s Websites, AZ FXR BMX, Bob & Mary Haugen, Kane-Langers, Scott Malam, Jeremy Wahlberg, Samantha Moe, Marcy Brust, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Anna Langer, Glenn Dussl, Micah Norberg, Nikki & Kolby Leverty, Victoria Picht, Amanda, Bailey Dahlberg, Bradley Gavin, Frank Costabilo Sr, Mark Costabilo, Bill, Julie Kulikowski, Katherine Wyman, CplMonkeyshines, Dan & Kathy Wyman, Nick Costabilo, Valerie Kelley, Dan Reid, Matt & Kelsey Griess, Jostens. 2024 On-Site Event Support: Special Olympics Minnesota, Minneapolis Law Enforcement.
2025 $60,040 Team Members: Jason Nels, Dustin Grice, Micah Norberg, Nick Langer, Michael Schwandt, Lane George, Paul Howlett, Carl Wilking, Siera Himmerich, Ariel Johnson, Kyle Heaser, Drew Lofgren, Robert Picht, Troy Benak, Misty Benak, Ryan Larson, Jennifer Widge, Oscar Castellanos, MT Thompson, Danielle Thies, Alexander Peterson, Deegan Oliver, Roberto Vazquez, Douglas Adams, Rachel Estepp, Angelica Graham, Kevin Stephenson, Eric Stephenson, Rochelle Sheck, Carisa Kern, Chuck Gaasterland, Alex Hiltunen, Kiana Serstock, Johnathan Bovee, Esteban Cuadros, Nick Kraushaar, 2025 Off-Site Donation Support: Anonymous, BROTHER, Betsy Mowers, C A Johnson, Carl Wilking, Chance Ryks, Christi Schuda, Crystalyn, DAD, Daun, Don & ‘B’, Drew Lofgren, Dustin Grice, Dustin Grice -Ride Brand, FXRDANSCOMP, Fadi, GD, Heaven Harding-Smith, Jake, Jason, Jenell Felt, Jennifer w, Jon/Lynn Norberg, Judi & Steve, Julie, Kyle Heaser, Kyle Raymond, Leah Bartholomew, Liz, Lynn Kane & Ray Langer, Marcy Brust, Marley and Mavis, Melissa Everett, Mike and Milissa, Misty, Nick Langer, Northland Concrete & Masonry, Ride MN, Ride MN THANK YOU, Ride mn, Robert DuBe’, Sam/Aubrey, Shelly Ryks, Stratasys Team Match, The Peterson Family, Tori Picht, Scott Malam. 2025 On-Site Event Support: Cindy Merker, Pualani Carmo, Special Olympics Minnesota, Minneapolis Law Enforcement.
Thank You All!
Your contribution is more than a donation; it’s a beacon of hope, creating smiles and triumphs for athletes involved in the Special Olympics. Together, we’re fostering inclusion and empowerment, turning dreams into reality.
Thank you for being a crucial part of this incredible journey. Your kindness is changing lives, and making dreams come true, one donation at a time.
