Local Officer on Roof for Three Days Straight: Lani Caparida to raise funds for Special olympics

By Rita Kalahiki, Special Olympic Molokai Area Administrator

Have you heard about Special Olympics “Cop on Top”? Molokai’s own police officer, Lani Caparida, son of Judy and Cappy Caparida, will tough it out for three straight days on the rooftop of the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

He will be climbing onto the balcony of the Lahaina Cannery, where he will spend three days and two nights to help raise $10,000.00 for Special Olympics Molokai. This event will begin Labor Day weekend, Thursday August 31 through September 2, 2006.

“I’m honored to be selected to do this for the community,” said Caparida who has a family member who participates in the Special Olympics. Caparida will have the support of his wife who will spend much of her time keeping him company. The Maui Police Captain who has been the “cop on top” in the past couple years will also be helping Caparida pass the hours.

On Molokai, a fundraiser group will be set up at Friendly Market with athletes from the Special Olympics Molokai, their family members and volunteers. They will be walking from business to business asking for donations. If they can gather enough money, they’ll be able to bring Lani down. During the fundraising, the Molokai gang will be in close contact with the Maui group to keep an accurate tally of the funds raised.

Lani’s birthday is on Saturday, September 2, and he is hoping that we can bring him down before his birthday is over. So Molokai, let us wish Lani a Happy Birthday and bring him down early by supporting this very special cause.

Make donations to the Special Olypics at Friendly Market during the event. You can also send your donations in to: Special Olympics, PO Box 458, Kaunakakai, HI 96748.