IDOC Top Torch Run Fundraising Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is the Top Fundraising Agency for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois for the second straight year. The announcement was made at the Torch Run Kick-Off event in Bloomington last Friday. IDOC raised a total of $169,215 in 2018, which broke the Department’s 2017 record of $148,042.

Throughout the year, staff at each of IDOC’s 29 correctional facilities participate in Torch Run fundraising events such as Polar Plunges, Plane Pulls, Cop on a Rooftop, and more. They also coordinate their own events that raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Illinois.

“The Illinois Department of Corrections strives to be a good neighbor, and I am proud our agency is bringing awareness to such an important cause,” said IDOC Director John Baldwin. “Staff take great pride in supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities and put a tremendous amount of passion and drive into raising funds.”

Chuck Mattmiller, a correctional officer at Centralia Correctional Center, was presented with the Flame of Hope Award on Friday. The Flame of Hope is the highest honor of recognition given by Special Olympics Illinois. The award is based on an individual's ingenuity, drive, commitment and dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officer Mattmiller is the first IDOC staff member to receive this prestigious award. He serves as the IDOC’s Law Enforcement Torch Run coordinator and oversees the agency’s fundraising efforts.

“Officer Mattmiller’s commitment to leaving this planet better than he found it is second to none,” said IDOC Chief of Staff Bob Bowen. “His encouraging demeanor and consistent leadership have made our efforts for Special Olympics an integral part of our agency’s success.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising movement benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The Torch Run includes an annual intrastate relay conducted by officers representing every branch of law enforcement within the state. Approximately 3,000 officers will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles from June 10 – 15, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games on June 7 in Normal.