Law Enforcement Torch Run Events

Illinois LETR Events - All

Check out all the upcoming events and decide which ones you can be a part of! Law Enforcement Torch Run EventsOpens in new window

2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Each year, the Polar Plunge brings together thousands of warm-hearted individuals from across the state. It’s a great way for everyone – individuals, organizations and businesses – to support Special Olympics Illinois. All funds raised go to provide programing and events for more than 21,000 traditional athletes and 9,000 Young Athletes participating in Illinois.

Nearly $27 million that has been raised by more than 87,000 Plungers since the event’s inception 24 years ago. Its purpose is to simply raise funds to enhance the Special Olympics Illinois mission: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in 18 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other Special Olympics Illinois athletes and the community.

How to Participate?

The concept is simple: participants raise a minimum of $100 in donations from friends, family and co-workers in exchange for getting icy for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois!

Attire:

Anything goes, except a wetsuit. Costumes are encouraged, but please keep them family friendly in nature. Each plunger who raises $100 or more receives an exclusive 2023 Polar Plunge sweatshirt, plus the chance to win additional prizes for raising more money.

What Does It Takes to Be a “Plunger”?

Anyone with a little guts and a warm heart wanting to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes is welcome to participate. In past years, participants have included children and adults, football players, mayors, police chiefs and officers, sheriffs and deputies, corporate employees, civic organizations, high school clubs, fraternities and sororities, media personalities and everyone in between.

For more information: SOILL Polar Plunge

Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop

Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop - 2023 marks the 21st Anniversary of the Dunkin’ and Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois partnership. This partnership has been a huge success over the years; in fact, more than $6.7 million has been raised in Illinois during this great partnership!

THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who helped raise more than $925,000 across 315 locations for the 21,000 athletes of Special Olympics Illinois! 2022 marked the 19th Anniversary of the Dunkin’ and Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois partnership. This partnership has been a huge success over the years; in fact, more than $7.6 million has been raised in Illinois!

The 2023 Cop on a Rooftop event is scheduled statewide for Friday, MAY 19 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Law enforcement officers will staff Dunkin’ locations in the local communities to rally support for Special Olympics athletes. Each guest who makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a coupon for a free donut. Guests who donate $10 or more will receive a LETR/ Dunkin’ branded travel mug (while supplies last) and a coupon for a free medium hot coffee.

Intrastate Relay and Final Leg/Torch Run Week

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the single largest year-round fundraising movement benefiting Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL). Every year, law enforcement personnel across the state dedicate countless hours to help raise funds and awareness for the 21,000 traditional athletes and more than 7,000 Young Athletes participating across Illinois. This week leading up to Summer Games, law enforcement personnel across the state carry the Flame of Hope® nearly 1,500 miles to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Intrastate Relay will be held June 3-9 and conclude with the Final Leg being held on Friday, June 9 in conjunction with the 2023 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony.

LETR Days Sponsored by Schnucks

What is LETR Days Sponsored by Schnucks?

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is excited to team up with Schnucks Grocery chain to raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. During this event, law enforcement officers and volunteers will staff merchandise tables near the main entrance of their local Schnucks store.  Volunteers will sell LETR merchandise, raffle tickets and collect general donations all to benefit the 23,100 traditional Special Olympics athletes and nearly 13,000 Young Athletes (ages 2-7).

LETR officers and volunteers will be staking out their local Schnucks Grocery Stores the weekends of August 26 (tentative) as part of the 4th Annual LETR Days.

Event Dates/Times: TBD