LIHU‘E — It’s not a bird neither a cat on a rooftop. It’s just a Cop on Top. Kaua‘i Police Department Sgt. Ezra Kanoho, Lt. Mike Gordon and Capt. Hank Barriga will spend the weekend on the rooftop of the
LIHU‘E — It’s not a bird neither a cat on a rooftop. It’s just a Cop on Top.
Kaua‘i Police Department Sgt. Ezra Kanoho, Lt. Mike Gordon and Capt. Hank Barriga will spend the weekend on the rooftop of the Walmart store, starting Friday.
That is, unless the Kaua‘i Special Olympics can raise $25,000.
The Cop on Top is one of two major fundraisers for the Kaua‘i Special Olympics, which recently enjoyed a successful benefit ride where Kaua‘i people came forward to support the motorcycle enthusiasts, classic car, hot rod and other automotive enthusiasts.
“Those funds will surely help our athletes participate in their upcoming bowling competition in October,” said Shelly Gerardo, Kaua‘i Special Olympics public relations officer. “However, we still need to raise a lot more funds to compete in the remaining athletic competition this year.”
Cop on Top is scheduled to start Friday when Kanoho, Gordon and Barriga will be raised to the Walmart rooftop with the help of Oceanic Time Warner Cable’s boom truck operated by Dennis Cortez. Each police officer committed to remain on the roof for three consecutive days and two nights, or, until they raise a minimum of $25,000.
Helping the officers reach the Kaua‘i Special Olympics’ goal will earn contributors a logo gift item for each donation of $5 or more.
Volunteers are also needed from 6 a.m. to midnight., Friday; 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday.
A drawing for a $50 Walmart gift card is also available.
Contributions can also be done online through www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sokauai/copontopkauai2011 where secured donations can also include a short message.
“These tough economic times are hard on everyone, including non-profits such as Special Olympics Kaua‘i,” Gerardo said. “However, we are always amazed by the generosity and aloha spirit we receive from the wonderful people of Kaua‘i.”
The 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, offering 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.
To enroll an athlete, or to volunteer for the Cop on Top, call 652-8662.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
