Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsIllinois
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cop on a Rooftop raises $1.2M for Special Olympics Illinois
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Law enforcement officers stood on top of Dunkin' Donuts' rooftops across the state on Friday to raise money for an important cause. Cop on a Rooftop is part of an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois and helps to ensure that each athlete can compete at no cost. Oberheim Baseball tournament held to honor fallen officer This year, the event raised $1.2 million. It's their largest fundraiser of the year. From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement officers stood atop Dunkin' locations in the state, to rally communities in support of their local Special Olympics athletes. In Illinois, more than 350 Dunkin' locations participated in the fundraiser. This year marks the 22nd year of the event. Since the program began, nearly $10 million has been raised in Illinois. You can find out more about the event, and how to donate, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
‘The weather helped' as Lincolnwood police officers perched on the roof of Dunkin' Donuts, raising money for Special Olympics
Several Lincolnwood Police Department staffers, officers and more spent their morning Friday waving from the rooftop of a local Dunkin' Donuts restaurant, taking part in the annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois. This year was the second time that patrol officers Anastasia Kantzavelos and Joseph DiFilippo partnered to organize Lincolnwood police's Dunkin' fundraiser event. Also participating were members of the local Fraternal Order of Police. DiFilippo was pleased with the turnout. 'I think the weather helped out a lot and with us being outside,' DiFilippo said. Kantzavelos said, 'It's fun to talk to the public, see the support that we get with the Special Olympics. 'This isn't necessarily for us, but the support that we get … it's nice to know that people still come and they support every year,' Kantzavelos added. Patrol Officer Autumn Kafka and Deputy Chief Travis Raypole were among the department personnel on the roof. On the ground, other officers were manning tables and walking the drive-through accepting donations from customers. Donors were given coupons for Dunkin' products and other giveaways. Cop on a Rooftop proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois, which includes athletes with intellectual disabilities. The nonprofit organization helps provide 'free life-changing opportunities to a statewide community of more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more,' according to its website. Frank and Faith Rago, and Steve Jeras, all from Lincolnwood, were among donors and customers. 'I think it's a wonderful thing,' Jeras said. 'They're (Lincolnwood police) doing this on their own time and the kids (Special Olympics athletes) need help, they really do. … Special Olympics is a beautiful thing.' The Ragos were interested in the T-shirts that were given away. They expressed their gratitude for Lincolnwood's first responders, calling them 'amazing' and 'very, very kind.' 'We appreciate everybody who comes and supports this cause,' said officer and event co-organizer Kantzavelos.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why police officers were on top of your local Dunkin' Donuts Friday
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Law enforcement across the state were chilling on top of coffee shops Friday morning for a good cause. The 22nd annual Cop on a Rooftop event took place at more than 375 Dunkin' Donuts locations across Illinois from 5 a.m. to noon. Lieutenant Bill Calbow shared why there were officers standing on the roof of different Dunkin' Donuts. '[It's to] get them fired up that we're raising money out here,' Calbow said, 'just drawing attention. We've had a lot of people honking their horns and waving at us in support.' Air Force Viper team launching from Peoria for air show this week People could donate any amount of money for a free donut coupon, and if you donated $10 or more, you would get a coupon for a free medium hot or iced coffee. This is to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois, which according to the event's website is the largest public awareness and fundraising movement benefitting Special Olympics. Calbow explained why Dunkin' specifically is the sponsor of this event. 'They've been really great with working with the Special Olympics and they're a proud supporter of the Special Olympics,' he said. 'Cops love donuts, too, and so what better than Dunkin?' Since the program started, more than $9.8 million dollars for Special Olympics Illinois. Dunkin administration is also donating $15,000 dollars themself to the Special Olympics. The Torch Run itself, which kicks off the Special Olympics, kicks off on June 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
03-03-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Photos: 2025 Polar Plunge Chicago
The annual Polar Plunge Chicago, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children's Charities, took place Sunday, March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach. Over 4,000 people jumped into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, with an air temperature in the 20s. The event's goal this year was to raise $2 million.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
25th Polar Plunge Chicago is Sunday at North Avenue Beach, benefits Special Olympics Illinois
CHICAGO — Thousands of brave people will embrace the frigid winter waters of Lake Michigan by jumping in Sunday for the 25th Polar Plunge Chicago. About 5,000 people are expected to take the plunge at North Avenue Beach, with air temperatures in the 20s and water temperatures in about the mid-30s — actually not too bad compared to some past years. Conservation experts gather for Wild Things Conference Polar Plunge Chicago is presented by Special Children's Charities, with a goal of raising $2 million for Special Olympics Illinois. As of 8 a.m. Sunday, the goal was 83% reached, with just over $1.66 million raised. Visit to donate or for more information. 'It's beautiful,' Amy Taylor, executive director of Special Children's Charities, said of Sunday morning's conditions at North Avenue Beach. 'We could not have asked for better weather. '… We had that cold snap, so the water was just a sheet of ice. We've been out here for about two weeks breaking up the (ice) and pounding out the sand, so all the conditions are ideal.' About 4,500 local athletes compete in a variety of Special Olympics sports and activities in and around Chicago, from bowling to basketball to rowing. 'Anything that you can imagine,' Taylor said. Money raised by events like Polar Plunge Chicago helps pay for things like transportation, sports equipment and space rental. It's the biggest annual fundraiser for Special Children's Charities and Special Olympics. 'I've had the chance to talk with a lot of different families whose children are enrolled in our programs, and it's just such a special day for them,' Taylor said. 'They are bringing their friends and family, and it almost feels like a holiday of sorts.' GoFundMe set up to support family of Teone Jones, killed in triple stabbing; mother speaks, updates condition of Jones' sons Tiffany McFadden, a Polar Plunge Chicago volunteer, has competed in Special Olympics since 2015. 'I compete in all the sports,' McFadden said. 'I compete in basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, bocce. '… I have learned a lot of stuff that I did not learn before. I love all the athletes. I love to compete. I love my coaches. I love the volunteers when they come and help. And I definitely love Children's Charities. They have helped us a lot, and I'm glad to be here today.' McFadden says she'll be checking wristbands at Polar Plunge Chicago to make sure participants go to the right place. But her Special Olympics coaches are also trying to get McFadden to jump in Lake Michigan, too. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines So how's that going? 'Yeah, it's not going to work!' McFadden declared. 'I'm here to support, so that's what I'm going to do, and I'm going to cheer them on. 'I'm going to let them jump in the lake!' The first wave of Polar Plungers is set to jump in Lake Michigan at about 10 a.m. Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
