Geneva Police Hope To Raise $70K For Special Olympics In 2025

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva Police Department is hoping to raise $70,000 for Special Olympics by the year's end.

The department isn't far from reaching its goal. Through Law Enforcement Torch Run events, including the Polar Plunge, Tip-A-Cop, Cop on a Rooftop and the annual barbecue lunch, police have raised $68,707, according to a news release. The program is a collaborative effort from officers across the country to raise money for Special Olympics.

With less than seven weeks left in the year, officials are encouraging locals to purchase merchandise from the Special Olympics Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run apparel store, selling t-shirts and hoodies. When checking out, buyers should select "Geneva PD" as their local agency.

Anyone looking to make a straight donation, via credit card, should contact Sgt. Brad Jerdee at 630-232-4736 orbjerdee@geneva.il.us.

To count toward the department's 2025 fundraising goal, donations and purchases must be in by Dec. 5, officials said.

2025 marked the fourth consecutive year of setting a new high for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has raised more than $1 billion since its inception in 1981.

"The Geneva Police Department thanks everyone who has contributed to the Torch Run's success this year," officials wrote in the release.