Officers and staff helped raise $33,000 in 2009, trailed only Kennewick and Tukwila
By RYAN LANCASTER
Staff Reporter
Medical Lake's former Police Department earned third place statewide for their fundraising efforts on behalf of Special Olympics of Washington in 2009, with roughly $33,000 raised.
The Kennewick Police Department came in first with $50,000 raised and Tukwila PD was second place with $36,000. More than $500,000 was raised statewide through the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign (LETR).
The LETR Campaign is the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness tool for Special Olympics, according to the organization's Web site.
Special Olympics Eastern Washington spokesman Matt McCoy said the LETR fundraising efforts of all West Plains law enforcement agencies combined, including Medical Lake, Airway Heights, and Cheney, led to more than $37,000 in net revenues for the organization this year.
The Medical Lake officers participated in many fundraisers throughout the year, including an Applebee's “Breakfast of Champions,” Krispy Kreme's “Cops on Top” event, Red Robin restaurant's “Tip-A-Cop” campaign and the first ever LETR poker tournament at Northern Quest Casino.
Medical Lake officers also played a crucial role in the annual Polar Plunge benefit this past February, which drew 116 participants and garnered approximately $26,000 in revenue, not including corporate sponsorship. “The Polar Plunge is an awesome event, not just for Special Olympics but for bringing people into the community of Medical Lake,” McCoy said. “Medical Lake's PD has been wonderful.”
McCoy placed targets for the 2010 Polar Plunge, to be held Saturday, Feb. 27, at 150-175 participants and $30,000 in revenue. He said the same team that took part last winter is expected to participate this year even though Spokane County Sheriff deputies took control of the Medical Lake Police Department Nov. 1.
Ryan Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].
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