ITHACA, N.Y. — The Ithaca community raised $3,000 in just a few hours last week at “Cops on Top,” a benefit for Special Olympics New York.
On Friday, several officers from the Ithaca Police Department participated in the annual event at both Dunkin’ Donuts in Ithaca. Some officers were literally on top of the building. It was all an effort to raise awareness for Special Olympics New York.
People who donated got a free doughnut with a purchase, and people who donated $20 got a free t-shirt.
During the event, the community donated about $3,000 between both locations. The funds are for the athletes of Special Olympics New York, to help toward the cost of participating in the games.
There are 68,547 Special Olympics New York athletes, and it costs about $400 per athlete, according to Special Olympics New York.
Athletes train and compete year-round in 22 sports at no cost to them or their families.
Local law enforcement raises money for the Special Olympics in different ways throughout the year. For the past three years, local officers have participated in the Torch Run, which also raises funds and awareness for the games.
Cornell University Police also participated in Cops on Top at the Dunkin Donuts on Pine Tree Road.
In a news release Thursday, Acting Police Chief Pete Tyler thanked everyone who donated and volunteered “to ensure that this great cause continues to flourish.”
The Ithaca Police Department also thanked the Ithaca Fire Department, Agway of Ithaca and the Ithaca Home Depot for their help.