By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

On Aug. 2, the Cazenovia Police Department partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts on Albany Street to present Cops on Top — an annual fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.

This year, Cops on Top events were held at 56 Dunkin’ Donuts locations throughout Central New York and the Southern Tier.

The Cazenovia Police Department has participated in the event for the past six years.

“It’s a good community event and a good fundraiser,” said Cazenovia Police Chief Michael Hayes. “We have our own Special Olympian here in town, so [it’s great] that all of the money raised stays here to support Central New York athletes. [Each year,] the guys volunteer their time and they really enjoy doing it.”

This year, Hayes was joined under the tent by Investigator Ed Blakely, Officer Rich Bennett, Officer Will Stevens, Special Olympian Diane Budnar, and her support person, Tangie Muncil, a Cazenovia College alumnus.

Last year, the agency raised around $3,000.

This year, the group’s goal was to raise even more money and to place at least third out of the 56 participating locations in terms of donations.

“We always do a challenge where if we raise three grand, I shave my head,” said Bennett, who has participated in the past six Cops on Top events.

Budnar, 35, has been a Special Olympian for as long as she can remember.

The multi-sport athlete competes in volleyball, swimming, bocce ball, golf, snowshoeing and her favorite sport, downhill skiing. She also participates in the Annual Oneida Shores Polar Plunge to support the Special Olympics.

The group collected donations outside Dunkin’ Donuts from 6 to 11 a.m. The total amount raised was not available at the time of publication.

Dunkin’ Donuts offered visitors a coupon for a free doughnut with purchase as a thank you for donating to the organization. Patrons who donated $20 or more received a limited edition T-shirt.

Cops on Top started in 2012.

According to Cassandra Rucker — Special Olympics NY Director of Development for the Central Region & Southern Tier — the pilot program raised a total of $13,795 at seven locations.

Last year, the 46 participating locations raised over $84,000, bringing the total amount raised since 2012 to $328,811.

This year, the 56 locations aimed to raised $85,000.

Special Olympics New York is a non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and competitions in 23 Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

With more than 67,000 athletes, Special Olympics NY is the largest chapter in the country and one of the largest in the world.

The organization receives year-round support from 40,000 volunteers, including nearly 6,000 certified coaches.

Special Olympics New York offers more than 5,000 competitive experiences per year across the state.

Participation is free to registered athletes. The organization covers the costs of insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, awards, housing and meals at events, and more.

To learn more about Special Olympics New York, visit specialolympics-ny.org.