Troy Cop on a Rooftop raises almost $10K for Special Olympics
Troy Police Officer Dan Greenemay spends Friday staked out on the rooftop of Dunkin Donuts in Troy as part of the nationwide Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics. (Photo by Pat Pratt)
By Pat Pratt
ppratt@timestribunenews.com
An effort to help the athletes of Special Olympics, Troy Police on Friday staked out Dunkin’ Donuts as part of the nationwide annual Cop on Rooftop fundraiser.
Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, officers took positions on the roof of the store located at 809 Edwardsville Road. To garner support, they used air horns and bullhorns to draw attention to the fundraiser, which also offered tee shirt and hat sales to support the athletes.
About 9 a.m. on the day of the event, cars were lined up all the way onto Route 162 and the store parking lot was completely full. Troy Police Officer Jennifer Hautly serves as the agency’s liaison for the Special Olympics and said she was excited and glad to see the high level of community support.
“I’m glad to see the community involvement and glad to see not only our officers, but we also have athletes out here,” Hautly said. “It brings joy not only to us, but to them too.”
The agency has been taking part in the annual event since 2013. Troy Police and law enforcement agencies across the nation have supported the Special Olympics for many years through this event and the annual Torch Run.
“We raise money for other programs as well, such as Shop With a Cop,” Interim Chief Chris Wasser said. “We try to do as much as we can to support the entire community and the Special Olympics is near and dear to our hearts.”
In addition to donations and clothing sales, Troy Police for a donation of $100 or more were delivering donuts to locations in town. Donations also continued to come in over the weekend and by Monday, $9,800 had been raised. Hautly said all the money will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics.
“All the money raised goes back to Special Olympics Illinois,” Hautly said.”It goes back to our athletes and helps fund their games, hotels and travel fees, so everything goes back to them.”
