Police event raises $6,000 for Illinois Special Olympics

The Cigars & Cars fundraiser held July 28 in Long Grove raised more than $6,000 for the Illinois Special Olympics. The event was co-sponsored by the Buffalo Grove and Kildeer police departments along with Neumann’s Cigars & More. In addition to classic and modern muscle cars, the show featured law enforcement specialty vehicles. There were also items up for auction. Kildeer Police Chief Steve Balinski met the Neumanns through a mutual friend and, after a discussion about how both enjoy serving their community, the idea of fundraisers began. Ken and Julie Neumann and Buffalo Grove police, where Balinski formerly was chief, first worked together a few years ago, putting on a chili cook-off. “Ken and Julie have been outstanding partners and have generously provided a great location for our events,” Balinski said.