Police employee Paula Diaz accepts a donation Friday from Erik Hauser of Elk Grove Village at the Dunkin' Donuts at Schaumburg and Plum Grove roads, Schaumburg.
JOE LEWNARD/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Police officers on the roofs of Dunkin Donuts Friday morning raised more than $225,000 for Special Olympics Illinois, a Dunkin' Donuts spokeswoman said.
According to Carrie Reickert, the 130 police departments raising funds Friday broke their own record — set last year. A number of suburban police departments and restaurants participated.
Illinois police departments are huge supporters of Special Olympics, and call their fundraising arm the Torch Run. The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised nearly $25 million over 26 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. 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. The Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The Torch Run has set a goal of raising $3 million in 2012.
Schaumburg Police Department Deputy Chief Vince Liberio, left, and Sgt. John Nebl get the attention of patrons during the Cop on the Rooftop fundraiser at Schaumburg and Plum Grove roads.
JOE LEWNARD/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Gilberts police officer Jason Hernandez strikes a pose from the Dunkin Donuts roof in Carpentersville.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Carpentersville police officer Joe Pilarski waves to folks in the drive-through line during the Cop on Rooftop fundraiser in Carpentersville Friday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Vernon Hills police officer Shannon Holubetz thanks supporters from a lift in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot along Milwaukee Avenue.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
Vernon Hills police officers collect donations at the Vernon Hills store at Route 60 and Milwaukee Avenue.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
Officers Olin Toraeleson, David Ahlemeyer and Jim Womack of the Naperville Park District police, stand on the roof of a Dunkin Donuts to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
John McGillen/jmcgillen@dailyherald.com