The Fort Pierce Police Department builds a unified community by bringing officers, non-profit organizations, and residents together to raise awareness for Special Olympics Florida.
On August 11, 2021, Officer Damian Spotts and Jorge Goz presented Special Olympics Florida athlete Annabelle Currie with a custom diecast replica of their Autism Awareness Vehicle Noah’s Car – THE ST. LUCIE POST (stluciepost.com). And later that day, they announced they would donate another model car to Special Olympics Florida to raise funds for their programs.
In two weeks, Special Olympics Florida raised $ 192 through their website and randomly selected a donor to win the Fort Pierce Police Department diecast car. Special Olympics Florida offers cost-free, year-round programs where athletes can train and compete in 20 different sports. It serves almost 60,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities statewide. “Our programs are designed to help our athletes reach their full potential,” Kyle Townsend, the Sports Training and Competition Manager for the Special Olympics Florida – Treasure Coast, told The St. Lucie Post.
On August 27th, Special Olympics Florida randomly selected the fundraiser’s winner – Dunn’s Kinds Foundation, and when officers notified the organization’s founder, Howard Dunn, he surprised them with his generosity. Dunn matched the Special Olympics Floirda fundraising efforts and donated an additional $ 192 to the organization. Together, Fort Pierce Police and Dunn’s Kids Foundation helped Special Olympics Florida raise close to $400 in two weeks. “It’s officers like these that inspire me to help others, “Dunn told the St. Lucie Post. “We are incredibly grateful for the Fort Pierce Police Department and the Dunn’s Kids Foundation donation,” Townsend said.
On August 31st, Officers Spotts and Goz presented Dunn with his model car in the Fort Pierce Police Department lobby while officers, Special Olympics Florida representatives, and community members watched. Fort Pierce Police Department Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney is pleased with her officer’s work. “This is just amazing, and it shows the dedication of our officers and their relationship with the community.”
When individuals come together to support one another, great things happen. Thanks to the Fort Pierce Police Department and Dunn’s Kids Foundation Special Olympics Florida athletes will have more opportunities to shine.
“It’s about love, community, and success,” Chief Hobley-Burney said.
