By Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
Police officers in Shorewood took to the the roof last week, raising cash for a good cause.
On Friday, May 18, police officers across the state of Illinois took to the rooftops of nearly 300 Dunkin’ Donuts locations to support the Special Olympics, including in Shorewood on Route 59.
It was the 16th anniversary of the Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on a Rooftop event, benefitting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.
Special Olympics athletes and their families, and representatives from Chicago’s major sports teams were among the special guests who joined the law enforcement officers across the state.
Dunkin’ Donuts also donated $15,000 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run.
For officers in Shorewood, it’s a fun annual event that lets them interact with the public.
“My favorite part is when the athletes come out, we have a couple of resident athletes,” said Police Chief Aaron G. Klima, who took the 5 a.m. shift on the rooftop just north of the Black Road and Route 59 intersection.
Visitors were able to purchase torch run travel mugs, hats, and tees to benefit the Torch Run.
Organizers said the event is important because it puts the athletes of Special Olympics in the forefront and gives law enforcement officers an opportunity to interact with our community in a positive manner.
“It’s just getting the people out of the squad car and getting a chance to meet with people,” Kilma said.
The partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts has raised more than $3.9 million across the state. This year’s goal was to raise $720,000.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects aim to raise money and gain public awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois.
The run has raised more than $47 million during its 32 years in existence, while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.