O’Fallon brings home the cup — The Governor’s Cup — for support of Special Olympics

The O’Fallon Police Department’s fundraising efforts on behalf of the Special Olympics has resulted in special relationships formed and led to more inclusion and understanding — and state recognition.

For those galvanizing efforts, O’Fallon brought home the Governor’s Cup after winning over the Governor’s Hometown Awards judges with their presentation.

O’Fallon was one of four finalists for the traveling trophy, which was awarded at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Mayor Herb Roach said every finalist gave a good presentation, but Nick Schmidt, an O’Fallon police detective who is now the Special Olympics coordinator for the O’Fallon Police Department, was impressive.

“Nick Schmidt gave a very good presentation and a couple of judges told me that they were so impressed on how our whole community came together,” he said.

Schmidt talked about how people supported the police department leadership and gave financial and moral support to these athletes so that they could feel proud of what they could achieve, Roach said.

“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,” the O’Fallon PD stated in a press release.

Roach had announced the news about being among the finalists at the O’Fallon City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 15, thanking the police department, business community and all those whose efforts help raise funds and awareness year-round.

“It’s a tremendous program. The Special Olympic athletes do something all of us want to do. They can hold their head high. They can walk away and be proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Roach said.

The Special Olympics have been a major focus of the O’Fallon Police Department’s outreach.

Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman said that for his department, Special Olympics is a great opportunity to work with the community, and the rewards of working with the athletes and the support they receive is why they keep doing it.

“The business community has been so supportive, and the city, and that’s what makes this so successful,” Brueggeman said.

Brian Gimpel, a police detective who is the OPD Special Olympic coordinator, explained the submission.

“We submitted because of the increase in community partnership and volunteerism in regards to our fundraising for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois,” he said.

“A few years ago, we realized while we were doing a great job raising money, we could take things to the next level and include community members to help. Not only did we raise more money, but we began educating more people on being inclusive and learning just what Special Olympics is and what it can do for athletes,” Gimpel said.

Nick Schmidt, a police detective, will be taking over the lead for the upcoming projects and Adam Krack, another detective, will be helping Schmidt with the events.

“Always great to have new ideas and new faces lead the way,” he said.

The Torch Run takes place in June and ends in Blooming-Normal where the State Spring Games are held. Schmidt attended the state games as well as several local athletes.

As far as the Polar Plunge, we were the top fundraising team in the state this year, raising over $43,000. One main reason for this increase is the inclusion of community members to plunge alongside the police. Local business owner Jimmy Ford raised over $12,000. Alderwoman Jessica Lotz also joined us for the plunge, her third time now,” Gimpel said.

Fundraisers

Upcoming fundraising events include:

• Wednesday, Aug. 24: O’Fallon Culver’s will donate a portion of their sales for the day to the torch run, and from 4-8 p.m., officers and athletes will be on site.
• Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28: Annual T-shirt days at Schnuck’s, where merchandise will be for sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. “People can stop in and say hi to an officer, athlete and community volunteer as we raise money,” Gimpel said.
• Friday, Sept. 16: Tip a Cop event from 4-10 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse in O’Fallon. They will donate a portion of total sales to the torch run and officers will help wait tables trying to earn a little extra tip for the cause.

Since 1983, the Governor’s Hometown Award program has recognized those who have contributed to projects that improved their communities’ quality of life.

One project from each population division is nominated for the traveling silver trophy that signifies the project is representative of the spirit of Illinois volunteerism.

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, in partnership with the governor’s office, annually seeks applications from communities, programs and local units of government to recognize those who contribute to improving their city’s quality of life. It took over the awards from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in 2017.

To be considered, this year’s projects were supposed to have strong volunteer support, meet a need, and demonstrate a definite impact, generating a positive outcome between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2021.

Gimpel honored with award

Two years ago, Gimpel was honored with the Flame of Hope Award for his efforts. Every year, he raises thousands of dollars for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The award is given annually to one law enforcement officer in the state who has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to the Special Olympics and the Torch Run.

As the OPD coordinator, in six years from 2013-2019, they had raised more than $200,000 before the pandemic put things on hold. But now, efforts have resumed.

At that time, he talked to the BND about what that commitment means to him.

“What began as a fundraising mission soon became much more. The more time I spent with the athletes, the more I got to know them, and friendships were born. The Law Enforcement Torch Run events became more about spending time with the athletes instead of just being focused on how much money we raised,” he said.

“The athletes are so positive and full of happiness — that made it easy to be around them more and more. When you think about the obstacles in their lives they have had to overcome and yet they still have the most amazing outlook on life. They are truly role models for everyone to look up to,” he said.

More from Gimpel

“They grow in their ability to communicate, do things on their own, build confidence, and for several they go on to hold full-time jobs and live on their own. Special Olympics Illinois allows them the chance to break down barriers every day that allows these individuals to believe in themselves,” Gimpel added. “It gives these individuals a chance to do things they may not otherwise have been able to do.”

“They may start off shy and timid, but then I send them to Tony, Charles, and Jim so they can help them come out of their shell. After a few events, these individuals will be welcoming the guests to the event, smiling, and helping us work the event. Most of the individuals just need a chance to succeed and this is where Special Olympics Illinois makes it possible,” he said.

“We are fortunate to have a community that supports their police and the community events we organize. Without the generous donations and support from our local businesses and citizens, none of the events would be a success. It takes a team to make these events successful and we have a great team here.”

O’Fallon PD exceeds fundraising goal

For the Law Enforcement Torch Run, 3,000 police officers carry the torch through 1,500 miles of the state — and culminates at the opening ceremony of the Summer Games. It’s the single largest year-round fundraising project for Special Olympics Illinois.

This year, OPD’s goal was $40,000 and they raised $43,596, according to the Special Olympics website.

For the Polar Plunge — held in the winter at Carlyle Lake — O’Fallon was the top online team, with $32,570, and Gimpel was second among individuals raising the most, with $3,774 credited to him.

This story was originally published August 18, 2022 at 1:17 PM.