Cops Perch on Krispy Kreme Rooftops to Support Special Olympics

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation and local law enforcement officers have united again for the annual Cops on Doughnut Shops® program to benefit Special Olympics. This nationwide fundraising program, now in its 10th year, will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, April 30, and end at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2. Police officers will sit on the rooftops of more than 30 Krispy Kreme stores throughout the U.S. to raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and increase awareness of the Special Olympics movement.

"Cops on Doughnut Shops is a unique fundraising event which takes advantage of the police officer and doughnut stereotype," said Chief Billy Grogan of the Dunwoody, Ga. Police Department and Ga. Law Enforcement Torch Run State Director. "So, instead of denying this relationship, police officers actually embrace it with tongue-in-cheek humor while raising much needed funds for Special Olympics. Police officers will step outside of their comfort zones and even make fun of themselves if it means helping a Special Olympics athlete."

Police officers will collect donations from customers and the general public as they eat, sleep, and play on the rooftops of Krispy Kreme stores. Last year, Cops on Doughnut Shops events raised more than $230,300 throughout the country.

"Cops on Doughnut Shops is a positive fundraising event for our local communities, and Krispy Kreme is proud to be a part of this worthy cause," said Brian K. Little, director of corporate communications of Krispy Kreme. "This program has been very impactful and successful since its inception, and we are thrilled to offer the Cops on Doughnut Shops program on a national scale again this year."

"Cops on Doughnut Shops has grown into a wonderful event that gets the whole community involved in supporting Special Olympics," said Bob Gobrecht, managing director of Special Olympics North America. "We are fortunate to have such a strong and collaborative relationship with our men and women in law enforcement, and are truly thankful for Krispy Kreme's willingness to help raise funds to ensure our athletes can continue to participate in sports and become champions of respect, acceptance and inclusion."

Celebrating its 29th anniversary in 2010, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness campaign. There are a variety of events supporting Special Olympics including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge® events, and the World's Largest Truck Convoy®. Since its inception in 1981, the Torch Run has raised more than $270 million for Special Olympics' athletes.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 3.3 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood's backyard. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature hot Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in approximately 580 locations around the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com.

SOURCE Krispy Kreme