Support Special Olympics Hawai‘i during Badges and Buckets fundraiser

Hawai‘i Police Department’s largest annual grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawai‘i is here.

Police officers are at Walmart stores in Hilo and Kona today and through the weekend, eating, sleeping and raising awareness for the nonprofit during the Badges and Buckets fundraiser, formally known as Cop on Top.

Now in its 21st year, this three-day event features law enforcement officers who will spend their off-duty time perched atop a 10-foot scaffolding at the Hilo and Kona Walmart stores for the fundraiser.

Officers started their sleepover at the Hilo Walmart on Thursday and will continue today till 8 p.m. Officers will return to the scaffold again on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officers started their sleepover at the Kona Walmart at 8 a.m. and will continue till 8 p.m. Saturday. They will resume their perch on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations collected from Badges and Buckets directly benefit Special Olympics Hawai‘i and their efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes, including opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.

Over the years, the efforts of Hawai‘i Police Department’s officers have raised more than $250,000 to help provide year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year and a large part of the annual budget is raised through this one event alone.

During this year’s event, there will be numerous, great incentives through donations made by many local sponsors. Special Olympics Hawai‘i will also be giving away visors, caps and t-shirts to those who donate.

For more information on the Badges and Buckets event in East Hawai‘i, contact Sgt. Jason Grouns at 808-961-2269, or email at Jason.Grouns@hawaiicounty.gov.