10th annual ‘Cop on a Rooftop’ raises money for Special Olympics at area Dunkin’ Donuts

Law enforcement teams up with special Olympics fundraiser

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Area law enforcement and Dunkin’ Donuts stores are teaming up with Special Olympics Indiana for the 10th annual “Cop on a Rooftop” on Friday.

The event raised $145,000 for Special Olympics Indiana in its first eight years.

As the name suggests, police officers with the Law Enforcement Torch Run will station themselves on top of participating Dunkin’ Donuts across the state, to call attention to the stores.

Then other officers on the ground will ask for donations in the drive-thru and in-store.

Plainfield Police Department Assistant Chief says it’s important for law enforcement to be involved.

“We got to be out in the community talking to people, building relationships and this is just one way we do it,” hen you have the uh the whole stigma with the cops and the donuts, that thing that started a long time ago, but I don’t think you’ll have, you’ll see our officers eating donuts here today.

According to Special Olympics Indiana, all the donations go directly to support athletes with intellectual disabilities in Indiana, including being able to offer programming for free.

CEO Jeff Mohler says the event also serves as a great way to spread awareness of the nonprofit.

“It’s important to showcase what our athletes can do,” Mohler said. “It’s important to tell the community how they can get involved. We have athletes who are sitting on the sidelines because we don’t have enough coaches … if somebody wants to step up, volunteer for us, coach with us, we could use their help.”

Customers who donate can get a coupon for a free donut. People who donate $10 or more will get a coupon for a free medium-sized coffee.

There are 14 Dunkin’ Donuts stores across the state participating this year. 

Cop on a Rooftop runs until noon on Friday.

Indy-area Cop on a Rooftop locations

  • 2560 E. 146th St, Carmel
  • 1305 S Range Line Rd, Carmel
  • 13 Commerce Drive, Brownsburg
  • 9910 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis
  • 1216 W. 86th St, Indianapolis
  • 950 Tournament Trl, Westfield