A Special Branch of Service
Join the ranks of more than 3,500 law enforcement personnel who support Special Olympics Northern California. Our LETR community is comprised of all branches of law enforcement, including military, and we welcome both sworn and civilian personnel at every rank. Opportunities include Tip-A-Cop® fundraisers, Polar Plunge® events, special local fundraisers, the iconic Torch Run and more – scroll down for fundraiser discriptions.
Our favorite part? Building lasting relationships between LETR supporters and Special Olympics athletes! Law enforcement has the honor of awarding medals at Special Olympics competitions and gets to share in the joy, inspiration and cherished memories that can last a lifetime.
Carrying the Flame of Hope
Join the Law Enforcement Torch Run and be one of thousands of supporters in Northern California!
Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraisers
Tip-A-Cop®
Tip-A-Cop events are a very easy and fun way to raise funds. The concept is simple: law enforcement personnel serve as “celebrity” waiters at a local restaurant with their “tips” donated to Special Olympics. LETR volunteers work alongside Special Olympics athletes and the restaurant staff to greet customers, raise awareness, and collect funds for local programs. Contact Donna at to get started.
Polar Plunge®
The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, law enforcement and businesses to support Special Olympics athletes by jumping or running into chilly water in the middle of winter. Participants raise funds online and earn incentives based on the funds they raise. Top fundraising LETR agency teams earn bragging rights and awards at their respective Plunge site across Northern California. Contact us at to get involved or to start a Plunge in your area.
Badges with Buckets
Take some fun-loving law enforcement personnel, put them on a busy street corner, hand them some “Donate to Special Olympics” signs and buckets and what do you have? Badges with Buckets! Members of law enforcement solicit donations from pedestrians and cars stopped at traffic lights and stop signs. Special Olympics athletes come out to support the fundraising efforts and thank donors. One agency annually raises $20,000 or more over two days working, four hours per day!
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Exclusively for members of the law enforcement community, The Torch Run is a running event in which law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local, regional and even international competitions. Law enforcement agencies raise funds and work together to run the Flame of Hope through the streets of their respective communities while raising awareness for Special Olympics.
The Sky’s the Limit…
We are always open to new and creative fundraising ideas from law enforcement. LETR has hosted 5K runs, crab feeds, poker tournaments and we are always willing to support new fundraising events. Our staff and Law Enforcement Executive Committee are happy to work with you and provide the support you need to ensure the success of your event.
I have met the best human beings associated with Special Olympics. From the athletes and volunteers to the members of law enforcement who are involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Everyone has such big and genuine hearts.
Retired Lt. John Hohmann
Scotts Valley Police Department
Get started to be involved with LETR today!
You can get involved as an individual or as an agency. Click on the “GET IN TOUCH” tab on the right side to send us a message and we will reply promptly.
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