May 29, 2015

Official Press Release from Special Olympics Illinois

CHICAGO - For the 13th year in a row, Illinois police officers staked out Dunkin' Donuts rooftops around the state to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Early Friday morning, hundreds of police officers covered more than 190 Dunkin' Donuts rooftops to heighten awareness and raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Sparky D. Dragon, the official mascot of the UIC Flames, made an appearance at a local Dunkin' Donuts location and participated in #CoponaRooftop. Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Chicago Bulls Broadcaster Chuck Swirsky and Cooking Personality "Momma Cuisine" Johanna Cook were a few of the special guests who also showed their support at other locations.

Everyone who visited a Cop on a Rooftop store and made a donation to the Torch Run received a free donut. Individuals who donated at least $10 received a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for a free medium coffee. Other items, such as Torch Run T-shirts and hats, were sold for various donation amounts.

Cop on a Rooftop has been a huge success over the years as $1.8 million has been raised during the partnership. In 2014, 174 locations participated and raised more than $430,000. A record 193 locations participated in this year's promotion, with a goal of raising $450,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

About Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $35 million over 29 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. It is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. The Torch Run has set a goal of raising $4 million in 2015.

About 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. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support. The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field in July, 1968; the program now is in more than 170 countries.


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