The North Bergen Police Department is once again fundraising for the New Jersey Special Olympics, an organization it has donated to for many years.
“This is our main charity for the Police Department, it’s what we strive to build on,” said Capt. Robert Dowd last week. “It is really a worthy program.”
He said that the New Jersey Special Olympics ensures that 90 percent of all donated funds go directly toward the children, athletes with intellectual disabilities. This allows the kids to train all year long and participate in events like the 2011 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, scheduled for June 10-12 at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.
“This is our main charity for the police department, it’s what we strive to build on.” – Robert Dowd
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Normally 15 North Bergen officers participate in the Hudson County portion of the run.
Fundraising with the school
The local schools have also donated funds to bolster the Police Department’s efforts. In April, with the permission of North Bergen Superintendent of Schools Robert Dandorph, a dress-down day was held for all faculty members. In exchange for being able to wear more casual clothing to work, each teacher donated $5 toward the cause, with $2,900 raised.
Dowd said the school district’s involvement helps make it a community effort.
The school plants on hosting another fundraiser for the cause.
Upcoming charity softball game
This will be the third year that the Police Department raises funds through a charity softball game, which is scheduled for May 21 with a rain date of June 4. The event starts around 9 a.m. and will end around 4 p.m.
In addition to the North Bergen Police Department, North Bergen Department of Public Works, the Union City Police, West New York Police, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and CJ’s Tavern of North Bergen will compete at the event.
Dowd said that there will be a live band or DJ, a dunk tank, children’s activities, and food at the event.
In addition, they will sell $15 t-shirts donated by T.U.F.F. Combat Threadz, a clothing line started in part by Sgt. Henry Marrero, which will have a commemorative 10th anniversary of 9/11 theme.
All proceeds will go to the Special Olympics.
Donate to a good cause
In addition to that event, Dowd said that they plan on asking local businesses for donations.
He also said a lot of officers have donated their time to this fundraiser and that he would not be able to do it without them.
He also said that anyone looking to donate their time can attend the softball game or may write a check directly to the New Jersey Special Olympics and mail to the North Bergen Police Department, located at 4233 Kennedy Blvd.
Officer Mena helps raise $12K
On his own time, Police Officer Frank Mena helped raised $12,600 by playing in the annual Special Olympics Snow Bowl held at Giant Stadium on Feb. 19.
Mena takes part in the event annually, playing on the Hudson County All-Stars and for Carteret’s Wolf Pack. By asking local businesses for donations, his first team raised $4,200, while the second garnered $8,400.
“I choose to do it because it helps the special needs children, and for more selfish reasons I get to be on the field at Giants Stadium,” he said.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.