IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Iron Mountain saw an impressive turnout for the City’s 40th annual Law Enforcement “Flame of Hope” Torch Run, raising $1,430 in support of Special Olympics. Carla White, a Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council member, expressed excitement about the success of the event.
“It was amazing—this is one of our favorite runs throughout the whole week,” White said. “We get so many of the students that come out, and we have such a good time. It’s all about them, supporting them, and letting the public see that they’re just as good as we are, raising money today.” The event began at the Michigan State Police Iron Mountain Post, and ended at the Iron Mountain Police Department. Other local police departments were on the scene, supporting the event, including the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsford Public Safety, and the City of Norway’s Police Department.
This year’s fundraising surpassed previous years in Iron Mountain, which typically sees about $1,000 raised during the event. White noted, “We did really well today. And that’s just in Iron Mountain.”
After the Iron Mountain run, White’s team headed to Marquette for another walk-run event later that evening. The Torch Run, which spans the entire state, will continue through various communities, including Escanaba (Wednesday), Munising (Thursday), and Sault Ste. Marie (Friday). A key part of the effort is the ongoing 750-mile nonstop relay that began in Copper Harbor. Teams from the Michigan State Police, Department of Corrections, and Fraternal Order of Police are running in shifts until the relay reaches Belle Isle on Friday.
Currently, $70,000 has been raised statewide, with a goal of hitting $100,000 this year. “We think we’re going to do it,” White said optimistically.
Funds raised from the Torch Run are used to support Special Olympics athletes, including covering costs for state summer and fall games. White emphasized the significance of the initiative, which ensures local athletes can keep their funds for local sports while the Torch Run covers the larger event costs. Statewide, Torch Run has raised about $2.2 million this year, with hopes of reaching $2.5 million by year’s end.
“This is why it’s so big,” White said, underscoring the importance of the Torch Run’s funding. “Torch Run is in every state. It’s in 35 countries. It’s huge, something that started like 50 years ago, and this is our 40th year.”
For more information or ways to donate, visit:
https://www.classy.org/event/2024-flame-of-hope-week/e572129
