The excitement of the athletes was contagious with the return of Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics Thursday at the Kona Walmart.
First started in Kona in 2005, the three-day event is the biggest yearly fundraiser for the organization. Police officers are perched on a scaffolding high above the store entrance with athletes and volunteers collecting donations from shoppers.
In 2018, over $30,000 was collected, making Kona the top fundraiser in the state. West Hawaii Area Director Denise Lindsey hopes to meet or beat that total this year.
“That would be wonderful. We like to shoot for the stars,” she said. “This is the Big Kahuna event for us.”
East Hawaii officers will also be collecting donations at the Hilo Walmart.
Officer Kuilee Dela Cruz said there has always been a “friendly” competition between Hilo and Kona of who can raise the most money.
“There’s always a challenge and we always win,” he said.
Money raised will stay in West Hawaii, funding many programs for the athletes.
“Along with this training comes travel, equipment, logo wear. Travel is one of our biggest costs, we fly off island for three State Games per year,” she said. “We host an annual sports sign up and awards banquet, the next one on Jan. 28, 2023. We host six Regional competitions in West Hawaii, which means we supply awards, lei’s food, refreshments, quality equipment and uniforms for Athletes. We supply Volunteer, Official and Medical shirts for our support groups.”
For $20 donors will receive a Cop on Top T-shirt. Cop on Top hats are also available for purchase.
“This event would not be possible without the support and guidance from the HPD and Walmart,” said Lindsey. “A huge Mahalo to John Yates, General Manager of Walmart Kona along with his staff. Also, Special Olympics refers to the HPD as our ‘Guardians of the Flame’. At each competition we have the Flame of Hope at opening ceremonies. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe. One more highlight from the HPD, Officer Dela Cruz will be representing Hawaii at the 2023 World Games in Berlin, Germany along with Special Olympics Athlete Kalei Lee from West Hawaii, Kalei will be competing in powerlifting.”
The fundraiser continues today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kailua-Kona and Hilo Walmarts.