Above / A pack of runners raised awareness for the Law Enforcement Torch Run as it ran through downtown Naperville toward North Central College Sunday morning.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run kicked off this morning along Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville with a variety of sirens, cheers and applause.
Naperville Park District emergency vehicles and runners clad in shirts emblazoned with “Law Enforcement Torch Run” followed a woman carrying a torch behind bicycle patrol officers as she ran along Jackson Ave. toward Main Street, then Chicago Avenue.
One youngster out for a morning stroll after brunch asked his parents, “What’s a Torch Run?”
An informed passerby explained, “The Torch Run is for Special Olympics. It’s a fundraiser that recognizes athletes who participate in Special Olympics.”
Opening Ceremony of Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games is June 7
Going further, the Law Enforcement Torch Run includes an annual intrastate relay conducted by officers representing every branch of law enforcement within the state as well as federal partners, according to its website. “Approximately 3,000 officers will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles from June 2 – 7, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games on June 7 in Normal.”
Located in McLean County, Normal is about 100 miles from Naperville.
Fundraisers are held year-round
In addition, the Law Enforcement Torch Run hosts a variety of annual fundraising events.
In Naperville, the Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on Rooftop and the Texas Roadhouse Benefit Lunch have been annual events to help heighten awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.
The 2019 Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on Rooftop was held on May 17. On that day, a record $1 million dollars were raised with 315 stores participating for Special Olympics in Illinois, according to Lauren Koeller for Dunkin’ Donuts. What’s more, in 2018 there was an anonymous $25,000 donation. This year, Koeller added, the same person returned and doubled it, donating $50K.
The 2019 Texas Roadhouse Benefit Lunch is tentatively scheduled for Thurs., July 25 and Fri., July 26. In Naperville, Texas Roadhouse is located at 2856 Patriot’s Lane, just off North Aurora Road near Route 59. Watch for a reminder about the popular event in July.
Meanwhile, cheers to all athletes participating in the 2019 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal!
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