Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) awarded its Wisconsin chapter the Diamond Level of Excellence for its 2020 fundraising efforts, signifying more than $1 million in gross revenue. LETR Wisconsin raised more than $1,629,895 in 2020 alone, finishing in the top eight of 91 programs worldwide.
Click here to see the 2021 Awards Presentation published on the LETR Facebook page earlier this week. Typically, the organization announces its awards at the annual LETR International Conference. However, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, LETR made the announcement virtually via its social media channels.
“The past two years have been extremely challenging,” said Scott Whyte, Chairman of LETR International Executive Council. “But the global results from 2020 were very strong and much better than initially expected.”
LETR is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics, Inc. Its mission is to engage law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, first with their own communities. Known as “Guardians of the Flame,” law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, including Wisconsin’s own State Games.
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with LETR Wisconsin members,” said Sarah Graper, Senior Director of Development at Special Olympics Wisconsin. “Each year they support Special Olympics Wisconsin with planning, promoting, and participating in fundraising and athletic events. They have hearts of gold and truly believe in inclusion for their communities!”
Last month, Captain Chris Tarmann of UW-Oshkosh Police Department was selected as Torch Runner for the 2022 LETR Final Leg. Tarmann and his fellow LETR Wisconsin members will accompany Team Wisconsin Special Olympics athletes in a unified effort ahead of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
