If ever a morning called for donuts and coffee, then tomorrow, Friday, May 9, is that morning.
Starting at 5 a.m., cops will be staked out on top of more than 70 Dunkin’ Donuts throughout Illinois until 2 p.m. in an effort to raise money to help support the 23rd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Members of both the Wood Dale and Itasca Police Departments, along with officers from the Forest Preserve Park District, will be on the rooftop of Wood Dale’s 516 W. Irving Park Road location. This is the fourth year they have participated in this state-wide fundraising event.
“In past years, we’ve done pretty well,” said Wood Dale Officer Matt Nelson. “We never have a goal. We get what we can, and hope that we do better than the last year. Bring donations and come show your support!”
Everyone who visits a “Cops on the Top” location on Friday to make a donation will receive a free donut. Those who donate at least $10 will receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and free coffee coupon. There will also be Torch Run T-shirts, hats and pins available.
For seven years, law enforcement throughout Illinois has taken to Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops in May to raise public awareness and donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics Illinois.
In 2003, police officers participated at 12 locations and $20,000 was raised. By 2007, law enforcement officers sat atop 47 locations and raised nearly $97,000.
Dunkin’ Donuts has pledged $10,000 in support.
“This is a great community event,” Nelson said. “It’s a fun, casual way to meet law enforcement while supporting a great cause. We like doing this because we’re able to interact with the local community while doing something good for the community at large.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Illinois in 1986. From Friday’s “Cops on the Rooftops,” to bass fishing tournaments, polar plunges, Harley Davidson raffles and a truck convoy, the Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising event to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
More than 3,000 officers, representing every branch of law enforcement across Illinois, carry the Flame of Hope through 1,500 miles of Illinois communities to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games each June in Normal. This annual intrastate relay and its fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois.
“This is one of the big fundraisers for the Special Olympics that Illinois law enforcement from across the state participate in,” Nelson said.
Special Olympics Illinois is a nonprofit organization that offers year-round sports training and competition in more than 19 sports for more than 21,000 Illinois athletes who have varying disabilities.
In addition to Wood Dale’s location, cops also will be on top in surrounding communities like: 33 E. Lake St. and 1750 W. Lake St., both in Addison; 506 W. North Ave. in Elmhurst; and 253 E. Irving Park Road in Roselle.
For information about Friday’s Cops on Top in Wood Dale, contact Nelson at (630) 860-6275. To learn more about Special Olympics Illinois, including upcoming Torch Run events, visit www.soill.org.
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