Huntley Cops "Stake" Out Dunkin' Donuts for Charity

Officer Gary Schwartz arrived at the Dunkin Donuts at 6am Friday morning after working the overnight shift at the Huntley police department.

He spent the next eight hours standing under the sun for a cause that touches him deeply.

“It’s the athletes, it’s all about the athletes,” Schwartz said about why he always volunteers for the annual Cop on Top Special Olympics fundraiser.

Those athletes were on hand, too, Friday at the Dunkin Donuts on Princeton Drive.

Nick Grandenitti, 24, of Huntley, sat in a lawn chair alongside Schwartz with a gold medal around his neck. While Special Olympian James Williams, of Lake in the Hills, stood on the ground holding a donation can along with fellow athletes Mike Aicher, of Algonquin and Coral Brady, of Cary.

Williams showed off several medals he received for swimming at different Special Olympics over the last 25 years.

“When I go to Bloomington-Normal (where the games are held in June), it’s a fun experience,” Williams said. “It’s just so much fun,” adding it feels like a homecoming every time he arrives at the state games.

He gets the same support from Huntley police officers, he said.

“It’s nice for them to take time to stand in the hot sun, to support us,” Williams said. “It’s a good time.”

Huntley police raised $2,000 last year, said Sgt. Amy Williams, who organizes the volunteer effort for the department. Officers were hoping to top that total this year.