MINT HILL, NC – If you pass through town on Saturday, October 29, you may see an unusual sight: Mint Hill’s police officers and firefighters on the roof of Chick-fil-A.
Don’t be alarmed: there’s no emergency. It’s what’s called a “Cops on Top” fundraising event for Special Olympics NC. “Officers and firefighters will sit on top of Chick-Fil-A’s building to draw people to the area while other volunteers solicit funds from customers throughout the restaurant,” explains Officer Cassandra Scott. “Officers and firefighters stationed on the roof stay up there until their fundraising goal is met. Officers on the ground interacting with guests try to help solicit the funds to bring the first responders down and make it a fun competition!”
“We love this event for two reasons,” says Denise Boston, Community & Brand Director for Chick-fil-A Mint Hill and Albemarle Road. “First, we get to support and partner with our local police department, and second, we get to support a great cause being the Special Olympics. Chick-fil-A Albemarle Road has supported this event with CMPD for many years, and it has always been successful.”
Cops on Top is the last initiative in a series of events on behalf of the Mint Hill Police Department to raise funds for Special Olympics NC. Prior fundraisers have included Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving, a “Cover the Cruiser” campaign at Dunkin’ Donuts, and the recent First Annual Golf Classic for Special Olympics NC.
“This year, The Mint Hill Police Department became a partner of Law Enforcement Torch Run, where Officers raise money and awareness for Special Olympics NC,” says Officer Scott. “We chose this cause because of the direct partnership between law enforcement officers and Special Olympic Athletes. As a department, we raise awareness and money, but we are also to participate in events and make relationships with local athletes.”
Mint Hill’s Police department not only pledged to be part of Law Enforcement Torch Run but to raise $7k for Special Olympics NC, and they are proud to have wildly surpassed their goal. “To date, we have raised over $30k!” says Officer Scott. “This is all due to community support, and we are beyond proud of surpassing our goal.” On October 29, they hope to add $1500 to their grand total.
“As a first-year agency raising money for SONC, we aimed for $7,000 because it was the standard amount most agencies raise in their first year,” says Officer Scott. “As one of the smallest police departments competing to raise money for this cause, we are currently ranked 11th out of 96 departments! There are no words to describe the support the Mint Hill Community has provided to this cause and to our department.”
October 29 also marks the last day of Chick-fil-A Mint Hill’s first anniversary celebration, and there will be giveaways, a bounce house and other fun activities to mark the occasion. They’ll be celebrating all week long with giveaways in the restaurant and on the app, so make sure to stop in and downloaded the app so you don’t miss anything!
To celebrate a full 365 days in the community, Chick-fil-A is sharing the love across Mint Hill by donating a total of 365 sandwiches to businesses or organizations within the town. Nominations began October 21 and continue through October 28. Nominees to receive sandwiches must be businesses or organizations in the Mint Hill area with a 28227 zip code. Winners will be drawn at random by the week of October 31. Visit Chick-fil-A’s social media or stop in the restaurant to place a nomination.
“We are so thankful for this Mint Hill Community,” says Boston. “They have supported us and shown us grace when we needed it most. We are looking forward to many great years ahead. We will continue to support our schools, nonprofits and local organizations, as much as possible – as long as the community continues to EAT MORE CHICKEN!”
Make sure to download the Chick-fil-A app to access additional giveaways throughout the month, and make sure to visit Chick-fil-A on Saturday, October 29, to support Mint Hill’s Police Officers and Special Olympics NC!
