$60,000 raised will go towards funding CNY Special Olympics
By Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writer
On Aug. 5, members of local law enforcement groups — including the DeWitt Police Department and the Town of Manlius Police Department — gathered at Dunkin’ Donut locations throughout the area to participate in the fifth annual Cops on Top fundraiser for the Special Olympics New York-Central Region.
More than two dozen Dunkin’ locations and police departments participated across Central New York, including Chittenango, Clay, Cicero, DeWitt, East Syracuse, Liverpool, Manlius, Fayetteville, Mattydale and the city of Syracuse gave away coupons for a free coffee or donut with any donation; an official “Cops on Top” T-shirt and a free coffee or donut with a donation of $20 or more; and a T-shirt, free pound of coffee and free donut or coffee with a donation of $50 or more.
“We [police departments] like to be involved in the community and what better way to do this than to support and bring awareness to a wonderful organization like the Special Olympics,” said Manlius Police Officer Damien Golden. “It’s also a good opportunity for the members of our Explorer program to get a chance to do community service.”
About $60,000 was raised this year, beating the organization’s goal of $40,000. All funds raised will be donated to benefit the 65,665 athletes of Special Olympics New York. The Special Olympics is an international organization that changes promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities and hosts both summer and winter sport competitions.
“It feels great to be able to do this to help out the Special Olympics,” said Special Olympics Athlete Ryan Goldacker, who was at the Fayette Street location of Dunkin’ Donuts for the event. “I really enjoy it [participation in Special Olympics] and am glad I get the chance to do it.”
