Cops take to rooftops for 13th year to benefit Special Olympics Illinois

Police officers around the suburbs took to the rooftops Friday in their 13th annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, run in conjunction with 194 Dunkin' Donuts shops.

The event, which began at 5 a.m., raises awareness and donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Dunkin' Donuts gave each guest who made a donation Friday a free doughnut coupon, offered other inducements for larger donations and sold Torch Run merchandise. Dunkin' Donuts also created a glazed red-and-white doughnut ring depicting Special Olympics Illinois colors, called “The Champion.”

“Nearly $2 million has been raised from this event and we're hoping to set new records this year,” Illinois Torch Run Director and Sherman Police Chief Eric Smith said in a news release. “It's a fun event that works.”

To meet their goal, police officers will have to top last year's total of $430,000.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $35 million over 29 years. 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. It is the single largest fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics Illinois.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 21,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Information is at www.soill.org.