Look for cops on the rooftop at Dunkin Donuts Friday morning

[May 16, 2019]    On Friday morning there will be a large presence of local law enforcement at the Dunkin Donuts on Woodlawn Road in Lincoln. Before you start making assumptions, no, they are not there for a crime or for the donuts.

Instead the local law enforcement will be sitting on the rooftop of the popular stopping spot, raising money and awareness for Illinois Special Olympics.

This is the 17th year for the annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser and at Dunkin Donuts around the state guests and passersby will see similar scenarios as the Law Enforcement Torch Run raises money in approximately 315 locations state-wide.

In Lincoln, those participating will include the Special Olympics Facility Coordinator at Logan County Correction Center, Lieutenant Stephen Kretschmer; Officer Monica Slater, who fills the same position at the Lincoln Correction Center; Lincoln Police Officer Shawn Pettit and a variety of day-shift officers from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

The day will start at 5 a.m. and end around noon. During that time, folks are asked to stop by and make a donation to Special Olympics. Donations will be accepted by Dunkin Donut staff. As a thank you, Dunkin will be providing coupons for a free donut on your next visit for any donation of any denomination.

For those who donate $10 or more, they will also receive a free Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for a free medium hot coffee from Dunkin.

For many years Lincoln held an annual Polar Plunge at Lincoln Lakes. However, in the last couple of years the Lincoln event has been foregone with invitations to local folk to attend the plunges in other communities such as Decatur.

For those who always supported that plunge, this is a great way to continue support of Special Olympics through the local law enforcement agencies.

In 2018, Special Olympics fundraisers brought in a total of $871,000. The law enforcement groups are hoping to surpass that amount this year, and they need you to do it. So, please stop by, grab a cup of coffee, have a donut and make that donation for a good cause!

[Nila Smith]