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law enforcement torch run Fundraising Activities: Year Round

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The mission of the Nevada Law Enforcement Torch Run in partnership with our communities to support Special Olympics Programs through raising funds and public awareness, while enhancing the quality of life of our athletes.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. He conceived the idea of the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement with their communities and Special Olympics, by running the torch, now known as the "flame of hope," in intra-state relays that converge at their local Summer Games.

Now a global event, all 50 states and over 85,000 officers across 35 foreign countries participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, generating over $25.5 million annually. It is the largest grass-roots fundraising program and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics.

Over 500 members of law enforcement agencies from Federal, Military, State, County, local agencies and security forces participate in the Nevada Torch Run campaign. Funds are raised through a variety of activities, such as: Tip-a-Cops, Cops on Doughnut Shops, T-shirt Sales, Golf Tournament and World's Largest Truck Convoy.

In May, law enforcement personnel carry the "Flame of Hope" culminating at the Opening Ceremonies at the Summer Games in Las Vegas. As one of the largest grass-roots fundraising efforts, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has become the single largest supporter of the annual Special Olympics Nevada Summer Games.

EVENTS
Tip-A-Cop™
Law Enforcement Personnel volunteer their time as "Celebrity Waiters" in restaurants throughout Northern California and receive "tips" to raise funds for Special Olympics. These officers work closely alongside the regular waitstaff, serving water and coffee, and acting as hosts.

Cops on Doughnut Shops
Law Enforcement Personnel volunteer their time as Doughnut Shop “Sitters” as they sit on the roof of a doughnut shop to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Nevada. Officers take to the roofs for a weekend where they will collect donations as they eat, sleep and play on the rooftops.

World's Largest Truck Convoy™
Law Enforcement Personnel will escort a compassionate army of truck drivers across the 30 miles of highways and byways to raise funds for Special Olympics Nevada. The World's Largest Truck Convoy™ is officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records™


PARTICIPATION
Law Enforcement Officers
Law Enforcement Officers at any level, in any branch, you can participate in your local Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign. As a runner, ask your family or friends to "Adopt" you and collect pledges to run in the leg nearest you. If you are not a runner, other fundraising options are: T-shirt sales, "celebrity waiter" at Tip-a-Cops™, or sit on a doughnut shop - the fundraising possibilities are endless!

Buy a T-Shirt
For a $15.00 donation, receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run T-Shirt.

Sponsorship
There are multiple levels of sponsorship opportunities available for local and statewide exposure. For more information on 74-sponsorship opportunities, please call: please call Special Olympics Nevada (702) 474-0690 ext. 205 or email rachelh@sonv.org .


SCHEDULE
The Nevada Law Enforcement Torch Run 2008 Events Schedule

Date
Event
Location
 
February 21 Joe’s Crab Shack Dine to Donate 1991 North Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas
March 20 Applebee’s Tip-A-Cop Statewide, All Applebee’s Restaurants
April 4-5 Southwest Police Motorcycle Training & Competition Suncoast Hotel Casino, Parking Lot, Las Vegas
April 17 Claim Jumper Tip-A-Cop All Claim Jumper Restaurants, Statewide
April 19 Boulder City Police Department Golf Tournament Boulder Creek Golf Club, Boulder City
June 5 Dinner of Champions Governor’s Mansion, Garden, Carson City
June 6 Summer Games Opening Ceremonies Downtown Reno Ballroom, Reno
June 7 Summer Games 1501 N GV ParkwayReno HS (Track & Field), Reno UNR (Aquatics)
June 19 Joe’s Crab Shack Tip-A-Cop All 3 Locations, Southern NV
July 25 Famous Dave’s Tip-A-Cop All 3 Locations, Southern NV
August 21 Joe’s Crab Shack Dine to Donate 4250 East Sunset Blvd., Henderson
September 6 World’s Largest Truck Convoy Alamo Petro Stopping Center Start/End, Reno/Sparks
September 20 World’s Largest Truck Convoy Las Vegas Motor Speedway Start/End, Las Vegas
October 23 Applebees Tip-A-Cop All Applebee’s Restaurants, Statewide
Oct/Nov 30-2 International Torch Run Conference Dallas, TX
November 6 Joe’s Crab Shack Dine to Donate 9827 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas
November 16 Putt for the Gold Angel Park Golf Club, Las Vegas