Even in an unstable economy the North Bergen Police Department was able to raise $10,000 this summer for the Special Olympics.
Capt. Robert Dowd said that with the help of one softball charity tournament, fund raising in the school district, and donations from business owners and residents, they were able to raise the money for the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run, which benefits the Special Olympics.
The organization has 21,000 volunteers that train and coach children with disabilities.
While athletes competed at the statewide event held at the College of New Jersey in Ewing, N.J. on June 11-13, the department accepted donations for the not-for-profit throughout the summer.
The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run is a campaign coordinated by law enforcement agencies through New Jersey, in which various police departments hand off a torch to each other as they make their way through the Garden State at the start of the games on June 11.
“We are very pleased with the generosity of the people in the township,” said Dowd.
Seventh in the state
Last year’s efforts brought in $19,000, making them the seventh highest fundraiser in the state for 2009.
While this year they were not able to match those funds, Dowd said that there was still a strong showing.
‘We are very pleased with the generosity of the people in the township.’ – Robert Dowd
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He said that $3,360 was raised in the school district, where faculty and staff donated the money in exchange for a “dress-down” day.
Walmart, now located on Tonnelle Avenue, gave $2,000. Dowd said that Capt. Gerald Sanzari worked tirelessly getting donations and managed to get a local business owner to give $1,000 on the condition that he would remain anonymous.
The rest came from modest donations from people that ranged from $100 to $10.
“Every dollar helps,” said Dowd.
In this charity, 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to athletes participating, rather than administrative costs.
Running for a good cause
Dowd said that around 15 officers ran this year in the torch run and that a few of them successfully completed the entire Hudson County portion of the run.
“We get a lot of support from [Police Chief William Galvin] to allow us to get heavily involved in this charity,” said Dowd. “We are proud of what we do.”
Dowd said that anyone who would like to get more information or get involved with the Special Olympics cause can request information from the police department or visit www.sonj.org.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.