Yuma Police to Support Special Olympics at 13th Fry's Fuel of Dreams

Yuma Police officers are volunteering at the 13th Annual Fry’s Fuel of Dreams today, pumping gas and cleaning windshields from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fry’s fuel center located at 2350 S. 4th Avenue (the Fry’s at 4th Avenue and 24th Street is also cited as the site). The department released the event notice credited to Sergeant Christina Fernandez as part of a partnership with Fry’s Food Stores to raise funds and awareness for local Special Olympics Arizona athletes.

Customers who donate will receive one raffle ticket for every $10 contributed, and the poster for the event lists 23 Fry’s Food Stores gift cards as prizes valued between $50 and $500. The poster breaks down the prizes as 1 x $500, 2 x $250, 10 x $100 and 10 x $50, and shows a raffle drawing date of March 25, 2026. Officers are encouraging drivers at the pumps to donate while staff and volunteers handle pump and windshield service during the three-hour fundraiser.

“Sergeant Lori Franklin, Public Information Officer for the Yuma Police Department, emphasized the deep connection officers feel toward the athletes. She noted that Special Olympians have become close to the department’s heart over the years, describing the initiative as both a meaningful community partnership and a worthy cause. Franklin added that the athletes dedicate themselves to preparing for competitions, including events held in Phoenix, and said the department is committed to doing everything possible to help them succeed.” These remarks were attributed to Sergeant Lori Franklin in department communications about the event.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Arizona provides the statewide fundraising framework for events like Fuel of Dreams; LETR Arizona pages state that “100% of all money raised for the LETR goes directly to support Special Olympics athletes in Arizona and their supporting programs,” and that “95% of all money that is given to Special Olympics Arizona goes directly to support Special Olympics programs and athletes.” Those figures underline how donations from today’s fundraiser are intended to flow to athlete training and competition programs.

The Fuel of Dreams event is being held in loving memory of Chandler Police Officer David Payne, named in the department’s event materials as someone who dedicated his time to supporting Special Olympics Arizona. The Yuma Police Department also noted recent fundraising activity: a Tip-A-Cop event with Texas Roadhouse raised $3,497 to support local Special Olympics athletes and the LETR. Community members are encouraged to stop by Fry’s at 2350 S. 4th Avenue between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and donate to support local athletes; the department’s event release was issued by Sergeant Christina Fernandez and the raffle drawing is scheduled for March 25, 2026.