Several Lincolnwood Police Department staffers, officers and more spent their morning Friday waving from the rooftop of a local Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant, taking part in the annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois.
This year was the second time that patrol officers Anastasia Kantzavelos and Joseph DiFilippo partnered to organize Lincolnwood police’s Dunkin’ fundraiser event. Also participating were members of the local Fraternal Order of Police.
DiFilippo was pleased with the turnout.
“I think the weather helped out a lot and with us being outside,” DiFilippo said.
Kantzavelos said, “It’s fun to talk to the public, see the support that we get with the Special Olympics.
“This isn’t necessarily for us, but the support that we get … it’s nice to know that people still come and they support every year,” Kantzavelos added.
Patrol Officer Autumn Kafka and Deputy Chief Travis Raypole were among the department personnel on the roof. On the ground, other officers were manning tables and walking the drive-through accepting donations from customers. Donors were given coupons for Dunkin’ products and other giveaways.
Cop on a Rooftop proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois, which includes athletes with intellectual disabilities. The nonprofit organization helps provide “free life-changing opportunities to a statewide community of more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and more,” according to its website.
Frank and Faith Rago, and Steve Jeras, all from Lincolnwood, were among donors and customers.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Jeras said. “They’re (Lincolnwood police) doing this on their own time and the kids (Special Olympics athletes) need help, they really do. … Special Olympics is a beautiful thing.”
The Ragos were interested in the T-shirts that were given away. They expressed their gratitude for Lincolnwood’s first responders, calling them “amazing” and “very, very kind.”
“We appreciate everybody who comes and supports this cause,” said officer and event co-organizer Kantzavelos.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
