KAPA‘A — Sergeants Mike Gordon and Ezra Kanoho and Detective Paul Applegate have a lofty goal starting today. The three Kaua‘i Police Department officers will ascend to the rooftop of the Safeway store at the Kaua‘i Village shopping center in
KAPA‘A — Sergeants Mike Gordon and Ezra Kanoho and Detective Paul Applegate have a lofty goal starting today.
The three Kaua‘i Police Department officers will ascend to the rooftop of the Safeway store at the Kaua‘i Village shopping center in an attempt at raising $25,000 to help the Special Olympics program here.
“These tough economic times are hard on everyone, including nonprofits like Special Olympics Kaua‘i,” said Shelly Gerardo, Special Olympics Kaua‘i public relations representative. “However, we are always amazed by the generosity and aloha spirit we receive from the wonderful people of Kaua‘i.”
Dennis Cortes, no stranger to the annual event, will be at the controls of the Oceanic Time Warner Cable boom truck that will hoist the officers to the roof this morning. From that point, the officers will remain on the rooftop for three days and two nights, or until the goal is reached.
Kaua‘i residents and visitors are invited to join the fun during these three days and help the Special Olympics athletes who will be manning fishnets at the Safeway store.
For a $5 donation, donors will receive a Cop on Top window decal. Additionally, the donor will be entered into a drawing to get his Safeway groceries paid.
A donation of $10 earns the donor a Cop on Top logo key chain and the donor will also be entered in a drawing for a $50 Safeway gift certificate.
A complimentary event T-shirt or a travel mug goes to the donor of $20, and for a $25 donation, donors can choose from a complimentary event cap or visor.
For a $50 donation, donors can select from a Special Olympics cooler bag, or towel.
Organizers encourage people to come early as supplies on the donation premiums are limited.
People can also help by providing a flier from the Cop on Top event to Panda Express, which will contribute 20 percent of the qualifying dinner sales to Special Olympics Kaua‘i.
Online secured contributions can be made by visiting www.firstgiving.com/copontopkauai. The Cop on Top organizers said in a press release that all donations are secure, and a message can be provided with a contribution.
“With more children joining Special Olympics Kaua‘i each year, and programs for our athletes being funded solely by fundraising, donations are needed now more than ever,” Gerardo said.
Over the past 40 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through the sports arena.
“Because of you, our Kaua‘i athletes are able to keep active and continue their growth toward a fulfilling life,” Gerardo said.
Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
For more information, call the Special Olympic Kaua‘i volunteers at 652-8662.
