‘Cops on a Roof’ helping Special Olympics athletes

Anyone driving by the Dunkin’ Donuts store on Losey Boulevard Friday morning may have noticed someone on the roof waiving at them.

It was for a good reason-the annual Cops on the Roof fundraiser with local law enforcement that benefits Special Olympics.

There was a steady stream of people walking up or driving through to pick up breakfast and make donations.

Several athletes and officers from La Crosse Police, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell Police, and UW-L Police were outside enjoying the event, which ran until noon.

La Crosse Police Sgt. Whitney Hughes was one of the officers who was on the roof. While not the biggest fan of heights, she climbed up to support the cause.

“It is beautiful. It is beautiful up there. It’s really fun to see the athletes interact with everybody and saying hi…the public coming out and just donating and supporting a great cause,” she said.

Money raised at the store covers costs for transportation, uniforms, and other expenses for the athletes. It is the same for all the money collected at the other Dunkin’ location on Lang Drive.

200 athletes participate in Special Olympics locally. The program runs through La Crosse’s Park and Rec Department, said Community Enrichment Manager Kat Craugh.

“The athletes love doing things like this, they love being out in the community. They love the officers; they love working with them. It’s just a fun day,” she said.

One of the athletes, Heather Hansen, set the fun tone for the event. Armed with a microphone and speaker, she enthusiastically interviewed anyone withing reach of the microphone cable. She also urged people coming to the store and any passersby to come donate for the athletes in Special Olympics.

“It’s for the buses and the state (tournaments)… “to buy our uniforms that we need…to help support us,” she said.

The athletes are taking part in next month’s State Summer Games next month at UW-Whitewater.

On June 5, Hughes said officers from La Crosse and other parts of the county participate in the annual Torch Run to signify the start of the games. They’ll meet at Black River Beach at 7:45 a.m. for ceremonies. There’s a run from the beach to the Eagle Watch site and back as part of the send-off of the athletes to the games.