Join Lemont Police at Dunkin' Donuts to Raise Money for Special Olympics

Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy, Mayor Brian Reaves and Trustee Cliff Miklos will be exiled to the roof of Dunkin' Donuts on Friday, and they'll need your generosity before they can come back down.

On Friday, June 1, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., the will hold its annual "Cop on Rooftop" fundraiser, joining police departments across the state as they heighten awareness and raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

During the event, Shaughnessy, Reaves and Miklos will be sent to the roof of Dunkin' Donuts, 12371 Derby Road, while Lemont police officers and academy alumni collect donations. Also scheduled to be exiled to the roof are Oakwood Principal Cathy Slee, River Valley Principal Debra Lynch and Lemont Junior Woman's Club Vice President Jill McAndrews.

Anyone who makes a donation to Cop on Rooftop will receive a coupon for a free donut, and those who donate $10 or more will receive a Torch Run travel mug (while supplies last). The mug can be filled at participating Dunkin' Donuts stores, free of charge, throughout the day of the event.

Individuals who donate $15 or more will receive a T-shirt and hat.

The Cop on Rooftop fundraiser has grown considerably since it begain in 2003. That year, 12 police departments participated and raised $20,000. More than $216,000 was raised during last year's record-breaking event at 116 Dunkin' Donuts locations.

The Lemont Police Department , making it the second-most successful event in the state.

Illinois Torch Run Director and Sherman Police Chief Eric Smith said in a news release that despite the economy, he thinks the program can break the record again.

"The story speaks for itself — it’s good and dedicated police officers working to support Special Olympics athletes and their families," he said. "And it’s about the average Joes donating change from their morning joe to help the cause.”

In return for the police officers donating their time, Dunkin’ Donuts will give $10,000 to the Torch Run fund.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run was founded in 1986, and has since raised nearly $25 million while raising awareness for Special Olympics Illinois athletes. The Torch Run has set a goal of raising $3 million in 2012.

Special Olympics Illinois is a non-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 6,000 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field in July, 1968.

Today, the program now is in more than 170 countries.

To learn more about Special Olympics Illinois, visit www.soill.org.

Anyone wishing to donate can bring a check to the Lemont Police Department, 14600 127th St. Checks should be made payable to Special Olympics.

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