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O’FALLON WINS THE GOVERNOR’S HOMETOWN AWARD

NEWS FROM O'FALLON CITY HALL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Posted on: August 19, 2022 - 1:27pm

O’Fallon, Illinois – The City of O’Fallon has been awarded the 2022 Governor’s Cup, the highest honor from the Governor’s Hometown Awards. Since 1983, the Governor’s Hometown Award​s program gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life.

The award recognizes the work done by the O’Fallon Police Department and community volunteers in 2021 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. In 2021 the O’Fallon Police Department raised $46,648 for Special Olympics Illinois with an estimated $15,500 worth of volunteer hours.

“This is such an honor for our City, Police Department, volunteers, athletes and everyone else involved,” said Mayor Herb Roach.

Det. Nick Schmidt, Det. Adam Krack, and Sgt. Brian Gimpel represented the Police Department at the event. They were joined by Mayor Herb Roach, Council Member/ Volunteer Jessica Lotz, Administrative Intern Cameron Dewitt, Special Olympics Region J Director Justin Denning, Special Olympics athletes, Tony Hill, Faith Short and her mother Carolyn.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising movement benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The Torch Run has two goals – to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois.

The O’Fallon Police Department participates in several LETR fundraising events including the Polar Plunge, Burgers and Badges (Culver’s), Texas Roadhouse Tip-A-Cop, T Shirt Sales (Schnucks), and BBQ’s at Sam’s Club. Since 1986, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $59 million while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.

We are extremely proud of the amazing work our department and community volunteers do every year for Special Olympics. The impact they make in raising money, awareness and building relationships throughout the community is undeniable. While this award was given to the O’Fallon Police Department, we accept it on behalf of everyone who has supported the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics these many years. We couldn’t do this without the support of our volunteers, schools, businesses, and community. This award is for all of O’Fallon.