Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Aurora Police Sgt. Greg Podschweit was among APD officers who staked out the roof of Dunkin Donuts in Aurora May 29 to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Photo courtesy of Al Benson
CHICAGO — For the 13th year in a row, hundreds of law enforcement officers from throughout the state were staking out Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops May 29 to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Police officers covered 196 Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to raise awareness and donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Aurora Police officers and support personnel ended up raising a record amount of money for their efforts — Just under $9,300 was raised between the Aurora Dunkin Donuts at 1237 N. Eola Rd.; 2380 S. Eola; 2112 W. Galena Blvd.; and 1255 N. Farnsworth Ave. The events were part of annual statewide fundraisers for Special Olympics. Members of the Aurora Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association also sold a variety of Special Olympics Torch Run memorabilia at each location.
Kathy Hart from the “Eric and Kathy Show” on 101.9 FM, “The Mix”, broadcasted live from the Galena Dunkin’ Donuts between 7 and 9 a.m.
APD events have raised a total of $13,000 for Special Olympics so far in 2015. Several more fund raisers are planned throughout the remainder of the year.
Last year, Aurora Police Officers raised more than $17,600 for the charity so the department will again appear on the back of the official 2015 Special Olympics Torch Run T-shirt for the seventh consecutive year.
In honor of the Special Olympics athletes and police officers supporting the rooftop event, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $15,000 to the Torch Run Fund.
Eric & Kathy Mornings 101.9fm The MIX Chicago was at the Dunkin’ Donuts, 2112 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. Photo courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts
Each guest who visited a Cop on a Rooftop location May 29 and made a donation to the Torch Run received a free donut coupon. Guests who donated at least $10 received a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for free medium coffee. Other items, such as Torch Run T-shirts and hats, were sold for various donation amounts. Additional activities varied by Dunkin’ Donuts location.
“Nearly $2 million has been raised from this event and we’re hoping to set new records this year,” said Illinois Torch Run Director and Sherman Police Chief Eric Smith. “It’s a fun event that works.”
Members and volunteers with the Crestwood Police Department raised $6,985. Photo courtesy of Crestwood Police Department
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $35 million over 29 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. Each year, more than 3,000 officers cover 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and to the State Summer Games in Normal in June. It is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
The intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. The Torch Run has set a goal of raising $4 million in 2015.
For more information about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or find out more at: Special Olympics Illinois.