Cop on Top event raises funds for Special Olympics

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (KMSP) - Officers, Special Olympic athletes and volunteers stuck through cold temperatures to raise money for Special Olympics Oct. 8-9 at Cub Foods in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Though, this wasn’t a typical fundraiser with tables outside and flyers to pass around. Participants sat on the roof of the grocery store to raise funds and awareness for the 12,000 Special Olympic Athletes in Minnesota. They also sold t-shirts, participated in "Trunk or Treat" and ran the brat stand.

“The weather is pretty spectacular today, and we have a lot of customers,” said Officer Kate Deering of the Brooklyn Park Police. “We’ve talked to a lot of customers and raised a lot of money for Special Olympics today.”

Recently, Minnesota was recognized for raising more than $4.3 million for Special Olympics. Nearly 97,000 officers from all over the world participate in the Special Olympics Movement, and in 2015, more than $55 million was raised worldwide for Special Olympics. Minnesota also received the Guardian Award for its "Commitment and dedication to the growing cause of Special Olympics with carrying and keeping the Flame of Hope burning bright for our athletes"

“When we meet a Special Athlete, they’re amazing,” Deering said. “And they’re always excited to see us.”

Special Athlete Hunter Sergeant said he considers the event his way of saying thank you to the community.

“It’s a good way for kids to see and learn that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities like myself and my peers are all pretty much the same,” he said. “We just do things differently, but all have goals and dreams like everyone else.”

The fundraiser today runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Cub Foods.