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Events
History Established in 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Campaign is the largest grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics worldwide. Proceeds go directly to programs in states or nations where generated. The LETR Campaign is a series of special events and torch relay runs organized by off duty law enforcement representatives to raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. The LETR Campaign has raised over $50 million for Special Olympics globally. LETR Campaign in Washington Over 2,000 law enforcement officers throughout Washington annually join together to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Washington (SOWA). The LETR Campaign generally occurs February through September, however many law enforcement agencies conduct fundraising activities year-round. Law enforcement representatives raise money through a variety of local fundraising activities such as barbecues, raffle drawings, tip-a-cops, trail rides, golf tournaments and more. Law enforcement agencies and individuals compete for incentives including induction into the annual LETR Campaign Circle of Honor. The Circle of Honor awards individuals who raise a minimum of $1,000 net and agencies that raise a minimum of $5,000 net during the Campaign. A statewide “Torch Run” is held each year prior to the opening of the Special Olympics Washington Summer Games. Officers carry the “Flame of Hope” across the state in a relay that culminates at the SOWA Summer Games Opening Ceremonies. In 2006, the “Torch Run” will take place May 29-31 in time for the June 2 Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at McChord Air Force Base. RE-Cap of 2005 LETR Campaign With the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies and individuals throughout Washington participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign, more than $340,000 was raised for Special Olympics Washington programs! Statewide events, such as the Red Robin Tip-A-Cop, raised over $92,000 and the Krispy Kreme "Cops on Doughnut Shops," raised over $40,000. Many new law enforcement agencies joined the campaign this year and held various local events within their communities. A few of the new law enforcement agencies involved in 2005 are: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Seattle Division, Kettle Falls Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Mount Lake Terrace Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Stillaguamish Tribal Police. It is a goal for the LETR Campaign Council to encourage participation of more law enforcement agencies throughout Washington State in 2006! LETR Campaign Council Special Olympics Washington is the official charity of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). Special Olympics Washington and WASPC provide oversight and direction to the Campaign through the LETR Campaign Council. The LETR Campaign Council is composed of Special Olympics Washington representatives, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs and other related law enforcement representatives. The LETR Campaign Council meets twice a year during each of the WASPC semi-annual conferences. The LETR Campaign Council elects a LETR Campaign Director to work closely with SOWA staff to plan and implement the Campaign each year. The LETR Campaign Director acts as a champion promoter for the LETR Campaign and the athletes of Special Olympics Washington. LETR Council List. Washington State Conference The LETR Campaign begins with the annual LETR Campaign Kick-Off Conference held in early February. Law enforcement representatives from across the state attend the conference to learn about Special Olympics Washington, the LETR Campaign and hear inspiring speakers. Attendees receive training manuals that are available from the SOWA office year round. Sponsors and Circle of Honor award recipients are also recognized during the annual state conference. International Conference The International Law Enforcement Torch Run organization holds an annual conference in the fall to celebrate the success of the Campaign worldwide and to plan for the coming year. Training seminars are held to encourage further development of the LETR Campaign and to motivate law enforcement representatives. The 2005 International LETR Campaign conference will be held October 18-23, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Re-Cap of 2005 International Conference In October 2005, over 40 individuals from law enforcement agencies throughout Washington State attended the Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Individuals or agencies that raise $5,000 net qualify to attend the International Conference. The International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference is an annual gathering of law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics staff members from all over the world. The International Conference provides an opportunity for LETR Campaign volunteers to network, share and learn how to improve their local LETR Campaign programs. This contributes greatly to increasing public awareness and enhancing the lives of Special Olympics athletes throughout the world. The conference schedule typically includes general sessions, keynote speakers, award ceremonies, educational seminars, regional business meetings, fundraising demonstrations, networking events and many other fun activities. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in events such as a Truck Pull, Polar Bear Plunge and Truck Convoy. Over 900 law enforcement personnel attended from all over the world. The Washington State delegation not only had the largest group attending the conference, but also was awarded the "Sapphire Award" raising over $250,000! Next year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in Buffalo, New York, November 7-12, 2006. LETR Events Calendar The LETR Campaign calendar is updated regularly with information about local events and promotions that raise funds for the campaign. LETR Events Calendar. Sponsorships To reach the vast law enforcement community and general public, corporate sponsorships are available through the Special Olympics Washington corporate development program. Sponsors receive recognition throughout the state in local communities where LETR events are held, and through regular Special Olympics Washington recognition vehicles. Sponsorships. Souvenirs Official LETR Campaign souvenirs are available for sale to raise money for the campaign. Souvenir sale orders can be attributed to the local law enforcement agency of your choice. Souvenirs. Registering Your Fundraising Activity LETR Campaign affiliates and agencies are requested to register their local fundraising activity. Registering the local fundraising activity helps SOWA and the LETR Campaign Council track the success of campaign activities. Additionally, SOWA often receives inquiries from local media and citizens who are interested in participating in the activity or want to confirm the legitimacy of the fundraising activity. Please complete the form attached and submit it to the SOWA office. Fundraising Registration Form.
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