High atop a 10 foot scaffold, police officers beckoned shoppers at the Kona Walmart to donate money for West Hawaii Special Olympics Friday at Badges and Buckets, formerly known as Cop on Top.
The annual fundraiser is the biggest fundraising event that raises money for West Hawaii athlete’s travel expenses.
This year, over 20 volunteers from the Konawaena High School Leo Club joined other volunteers, athletes and officers to solicit donations and maintain West Hawaii’s status as the records holder for the most money raised in the state.
Last month, East Hawaii raised $20,000 at their event, but West Hawaii officers hope to surpass that amount.
“Our record is $30,000, and that is our goal this year,” said Officer Kui Dela Cruz. “We want to smoke Hilo.”
They had a good start. In the first three hours, the officers collected $3,500.
Now in its 20th year, this three-day event features law enforcement officers who will spend their off-duty time perched atop a 10-foot scaffolding at the Kona Wal-Mart stores raising awareness for Special Olympics Hawaii within the community.
Donations collected from Badges and Buckets directly benefit Special Olympics West Hawaii and their efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes, including opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.
Over the years, the efforts of Hawaii Police Department’s officers have raised $250,000 to help provide year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year and a large part of the annual budget is raised through this one event alone.
During this year’s event, there will be numerous, great incentives through donations made by many local sponsors. Special Olympics Hawaii will also be giving away visors, caps and t-shirts to those who donate.
The event continues today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
