Local Agency Participation Kansas. 2 | Law Enforcement Torch Run ® for Special Olympics What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run? Kansas Roots First to Carry

Local Agency ParticipationKansas

2 | Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics

What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run?

Kansas RootsFirst to Carry the Torch


Where it all began…

• The Law Enforcement Torch Run began here Kansas in 1981. Chief Richard LaMunyon and six runners from the Wichita Police Department developed a run to raise money from the Special Olympics Program and run the torch for the athletes.

- Kirk Miles, Walt Kuykendall, Jan McCloud, Jack Leon, Robert Bachman and Donald Ipsen


What is the Torch Run?

• A year-round initiative for Special Olympics with two simple goals-

- Raise awareness for the programs

- Raise funds for the athletes• Made up of both active and retired volunteers from all

types of law enforcement backgrounds.

- Police, Sherriff, KBI, FBI, Highway Patrol, Corrections, Military and much more!


Largest Grassroots Fundraiser

• Since then, the LETR has expanded to all 50 states and another 46 countries around the world.

• In 2011, the LETR celebrated its 30th Anniversary and contributed over 43 million dollars to Special Olympics programs worldwide.

• 1981-2012 WORLD TOTAL: $461,572,269.97


When does the Torch Run occur?

Year Round Initiative!


The Actual Torch Run

• Not a runner? Don’t worry, it’s not a race, it’s just an awareness run!

• Raises awareness for Special Olympics by carrying the Flame of Hope through cities and towns in Kansas.

• The torch is relayed across the state to the annual Summer Games in Wichita, Kansas

• State runs begin the week before the games

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Kansas law enforcement personnel run over 1,500 miles across the state during the week of the torch run.

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A picture paints a thousand words

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Athletes can often be seen running with devoted officers that support them.


Can’t Run?

• The Flame of Hope takes many forms of transportation…

- Bicycle

- Rollerblade

- Sled

- Boat

- Paddle Board

- Motorcycle

- Train

• Or volunteer with the support vehicles and cheer the officers along the way.


What can you do to help?

Organizing and Creating Your Programs


Organize a Run in Your Town

• Set your route: run by key areas in your community for maximum visibility

- Large businesses

- Schools

- City Hall

• Recruit Runners

- Officers must raise a minimum of $50 to participate

- Register Online

- Sign a waiver

- Receive a t-shirt


Raise Money to Participate

• Why pay the $50 yourself, when you can easily fundraise by selling Torch Run merchandise.

- Collect a donation from your friends and family and they receive a t-shirt or hat as a token of our appreciation

- T-shirts minimum donation of $20

- Merchandise will be drop shipped to you based upon your requested quantity or you can work with your area coordinators to get the order

- All unsold items must be returned

- Merchandise Order form found online at www.kansastorchrun.org/resources


Where does the money go??

100% of funds raised by the LETR go to provide programs and services to SOKS


How do you enjoy your efforts?

Going beyond the fundraising



Experience

• Experience the joy on an athlete’s face as you place a medal around their neck!

• Law enforcement officers are the primary medal presenters at Special Olympic Competitions.

- State Summer Games

- Bowling Tournaments

- Basketball Tournaments

- Softball Tournaments

- Soccer and Bocce Tournaments

- Winter Games


What else can we do?

Fundraising Events and Beyond


Just the Tip of the Iceberg…

EVENTS ARE HELD YEAR-ROUND TO RAISE

MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR THE

ATHLETES


Polar Plunge


Duck Dash


Tip-A-Cop

• One of the easiest fundraisers to coordinate. Officers help service staff and collect “tips” for their efforts at local restaurants.


Truck Convoy


Heroes Pull


Quarter Marathon• Distribute canisters to local gas stations and grocery

stores and watch donations roll in!

• Perfect option for schools or groups

- Recruit your SRO or DARE Officers to work with the schools in your community

• It is easy to participate:

- Distribute donation envelopes

- Count your coins

- Groups can win prizes such as pizza, doughnuts or gift cards


Other Fundraising Ideas

• Tournaments of all kinds

- Golf

- Fishing

- Dodge Ball

- Basketball• Penny Drives

• Boot Blocks

• Popcorn Standoff


Sponsorships

Lasting Benefits


Local Sponsorships

• Consider asking local businesses to sponsor your run or make a donation to the cause.

• Businesses receive statewide marketing benefits based upon their donation amount

• Local and world wide visibility

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Statewide Initiative

Who can help?


You are not alone in your efforts…

• There is an entire network of support that will help you!

- Executive Council

- Area Coordinator

- County Coordinator

- Agency Coordinator

- International LETR Council

- Special Olympics Staff


Statewide Division Map


Resources

www.kansastorchrun.org

letr.org

www.ksso.org


Benefits to You

• Earn incentive prizes, including trips

• Network with officers from across the state and internationally

• Build your resume with extra honors and activities

• Receive media recognition- LETR Officers are often featured for their work.

• Have a positive presence in the community- be a recognized figure

• BE A HERO!


More Benefits..

• Give citizens the opportunity to see officers volunteering in the community

• Recognition- agencies that raise over $3,500 are listed on the support shirts

• Top 10 Fundraising agencies are listed on the runner’s shirts

• Awards- LaMunyon Hall of Fame, International Awards


Where does the money go?

Special Olympics Kansas


Special Olympics Kansas

• Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. Offering year-round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.

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Helping athletes of Special Olympics! If you give them a chance, they will change your life!

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“First to Carry the Torch”

Still lighting the way…


QUESTIONS?

Jana FornelliSpecial Olympics [email protected] x107

Documents

Local Agency Participation Kansas. 2 | Law Enforcement Torch Run ® for Special Olympics What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run? Kansas Roots First to Carry