Virginia Tech Police Department's annual hot dog luncheon raises money for Special Olympics

16 May 2016

Police department hotdog fundraiser — “If you go to just one Special Olympics event, you will see the athletes and how excited they are whether they win or lose. It means so much to them,” Officer John Tarter (right) said. “That is why this fundraiser is so important, because it makes all of that possible.”

Every spring, hundreds of Virginia Tech community members come together to raise money for Special Olympics Virginia.

This year's annual hot dog luncheon fundraiser, hosted by the Virginia Tech Police Department will be held Thursday, May 19 at the Public Safety Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each $5 meal includes two hotdogs, chips, dessert, and a drink. Additional items may also be purchased separately.

“This event really lets people from across the university come together to spend time outside, eating lunch and socializing with each other while supporting a good cause,” said event organizer and Virginia Tech Police Officer John Tarter.

On average, the luncheon raises about $3,000 for Special Olympics Virginia events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Police Departments will also participate in on June 7.

Police department hotdog fundraiser 2 — Virginia Tech police officers and volunteers from across the university donate the time and supplies needed to make 1,200 hot dogs for the annual fundraiser.

Local sponsors donate the food and supplies needed to make the 1,200 hot dogs sold. This year’s event sponsors include: Bojangle’s, Buffalo and More, Centerplate, Heathwood Market, KFC, Kroger, Long John Silver’s, McCoy Funeral Home, University Bookstore, and Utz Quality Foods.

Volunteers from across the university donate the individually wrapped baked goods to complete the meals. During the event, volunteers also help roll, bun, and wrap the hot dogs as they are made.

Those interested in volunteering at this year’s fundraiser or at future events should contact Tarter.