Lemont Police Hold Annual 'Cop on Top' Fundraiser for Special Olympics

Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy will be exiled to the roof of Dunkin' Donuts on Friday as his department participates in the annual "Cop on Rooftop" fundraiser for Special Olympics.

From 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Lemont Police Department will join police agencies 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 will be sent to the roof of Dunkin' Donuts, 1106 State St., while Lemont police officers and academy alumni collect donations. 

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.

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 $235,000 was raised during last year's record-breaking event at 130 Dunkin' Donuts locations.

The Lemont Police Department raised more than $6,500 last year, making it one of the most successful events in the state.In return for the police officers donating their time, Dunkin’ Donuts will give $15,000 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.

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.