Police officers run to raise funds to support county program
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff writer
On a breezy Tuesday evening, Western Racine County Special Olympics Agency Manager Donna McKusker had tears in her eyes.
Ten City of Burlington cops, several Racine County Sheriff’s deputies and a host of children and teenagers all lined up for the start of the Torch Run – then went down the line, high-fiving her Special Olympians.
How much did it mean to McKusker?
“It means the world,” she said.
The local officers ran the last leg of Racine County’s run Tuesday evening. At the end of the run, there was a cookout at the city police station.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics, whose mission is to “provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of 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, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
In 2011, the torch run raised more than $42 million dollars, and is widely acknowledged as the most important fundraiser for the program.
It certainly is that way to McKusker.
“The torch run raises more money than any other fundraiser in the state,” said McKusker. “Last year, they raised more than $1 million. That keeps our program going for another year.”
Judging by the feelings expressed by the City of Burlington police who were taking part, there was no disagreement. The city has been part of the torch run for at least the last eight years, according to Officer Brian Wangnoss, and each year, there is universal support for the run.
“It’s a great way to bring attention to an outstanding cause,” said Lt. Mark Anderson, whose mother used to work with The Arc of Racine County – an agency that helps the intellectually and developmentally disabled.
“I helped her with that when I was in junior high and high school,” Anderson said. “(The torch run) is a way of making it special – make it a little bit of a special day for everyone.
As for Officer Matt Barrows, just being able to participate in some fashion this year was the best. Last year – his first on the force – he was on duty during the run.
“It’s a great event, a great day,” said Barrows. “It’s exciting, it’s fun, (and) it’s just good all around.”
And City of Burlington Police Chief Peter Nimmer said that it was, for all intents and purposes, an honor to be able to get out and do something positive for a great organization.
“It’s for a great cause,” Nimmer said. “I appreciate the officers coming out and supporting Special Olympics.
“It’s a great way we can show our support for Special Olympics. I’m very proud and very happy to be a part of it.”
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