DeKalb County law enforcement raise money for Special Olympics at Texas Roadhouse

SYCAMORE – Local police officers did a different kind of serving Friday, taking part in a benefit lunch for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Texas Roadhouse in DeKalb. The event raised more than $3,700.

Sycamore police Det. John Keacher said representatives from Sycamore, DeKalb, Northern Illinois University police and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office were there serving food in the fourth annual event.

"[Texas Roadhouse] donates the food and local law enforcement serves it," Keacher said. People who come in for the free lunch could leave donations, all of which went to Special Olympics Illinois.

The free lunch included a pulled pork sandwich, corn, bread and honey cinnamon butter and a soft drink.

Patrick Roche, managing partner of the DeKalb Texas Roadhouse, said the restaurant has participated in the event since it opened in 2014. The restaurant is not usually open for lunch during the week, but opens up for the fundraiser, he said.

"We want to be part of the community," Roche said. Giving back is a core value of the company, and important to him personally, as well.

Special Olympian Edith Reynolds was on hand for the event. Reynolds, a DeKalb resident and Kishwaukee College student, said swimming is her passion and she has participated in swimming competitions, polar plunges and camps and lessons all across the area.

When she was younger, she was told she'd never graduate high school, let alone go to college, she said. Along with an intellectual disability, Reynolds also suffers from epilepsy. She said negative feedback only motivates her to succeed. She joined Special Olympics when she was younger because a doctor told her and her mother, Mary, if she didn't join more activities her condition would get worse.

"I take that negativity and turn it positive," she said. "I take that meanness and turn it positive."

The Reynolds are currently part of the local Northern Huskies Special Olympics team, but are looking to form a young athletes team called Huskie Pups for kids aged 6 and up. Mary said the program would focus on socialization for the kids participating.

"We're looking for coaches, athletes and people to help," she said.

The Sycamore police's next fundraiser for Special Olympics will be "Butter Burgers and Badges" at the Sycamore Culver's on Aug. 29.