Crime & Safety

Car Show Raises Thousands for Special Olympics

The Buffalo Grove Police Department helped raise more than $6,000 for the Illinois Special Olympics last month through the Cigars & Cars event in Long Grove.

The event was co-sponsored by the Buffalo Grove and Kildeer police departments along with Neumann's Cigars & More.

In addition to many classic and modern muscle cars, the show featured law enforcement specialty vehicles.  There were also items up for auction including Chicago Bears helmets, signed Chicago Blackhawks pictures, Chicago White Sox tickets and a 55-inch television. Raffle prizes included golf packages, sunglasses and restaurant gift cards. Participants also enjoyed a live band and food and beverages at the show.

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Kildeer Police Chief Steve Balinski met the Neumanns through a mutual friend and, after a discussion about how they enjoy serving their community, the idea of fundraisers began. Ken and Julie Neumann and the Buffalo Grove Police Department — which was then led by Balinski — first worked together a few years ago, putting on a chili cook off that also benefitted Special Olympics.

“Ken and Julie have been outstanding partners and have generously provided a great location for our events,” Balinski said.

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