Huntley Cops Raising the Roof at Dunkin' Donuts for Special Olypmics

Huntley police officers will join officers across the state for the 9^th annual stake out on Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

The Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser will begin at 5am Friday, May 20 and continue throughout the early afternoon with Huntley police officers stationed at Dunkin’ Donuts at 12090 Princeton Drive.

Officers are raising money for the 26^th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Despite the economy, Illinois Torch Run Director and Channahon Police Chief Joe Pena said he thinks the event will set a record again.

“Every year, we raise more in donations for Special Olympics Illinois than the previous year,” Pena said. “The story speaks for itself….it’s good and dedicated police officers working to support Special Olympics athletes and their families.  Year after year, that’s enough said.”

The stakes for this year’s rooftop stakeout are high. Donations will need to top last year’s total of $207,000 raised at 111 Dunkin’ Donuts locations.

In return for the police officers doing time at their stores, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $10,000 to the Torch Run fund.

Additionally, everyone who visits a that day and makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a free donut.  Persons who donate at least $10 will receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and coupon for free medium coffee.  Other items, such as Torch Run T-shirts and hats, will be sold for various donation amounts, and other activities may vary by Dunkin’ Donuts location.

The Special Olympics fund-raiser has grown considerably since police officers first took to Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops in 2003.  That year, 12 police departments participated and raised $20,000.

The Torch Run is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout this year and has a goal of raising $3 million.

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 event 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.  Last year, the Torch Run raised more than $2.9 million for Special Olympics Illinois.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 6,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support.

The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field in July, 1968. The program now is in more than 170 countries.

If you’re interested in learning more 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 visit its website.