On October 31 three-year-old Kaitlyn Gregoire dressed up as a unicorn for Halloween and set out trick or treating with her brother, Trevor, and mom, Sonia in Manhattan, Kansas.  Following her fun evening of trick or treating, Kaitlyn and Sonia headed for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to attend the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference (LETR).  Sonia and husband, Steve are officers with the Riley County Police Department and volunteer for the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run.  This would be Kaitlyn’s second LETR conference! 

On Thursday, Kaitlyn joined her mother and approximately 900 other conference attendees as they listened to Special Olympics athletes and the stories of how Law Enforcement Officers from around the world supported the efforts of Special Olympics athletes.  The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness for Special Olympics worldwide. 

On Friday evening, Kaitlyn attended a benefit auction for Special Olympics.  While at the auction, Kaitlyn decided she needed some candy. Therefore, she and her mother walked back to their nearby hotel room for a “Kitty Kat”, Kaitlyn’s name for her favorite candy bar – aka Kit Kat.  While searching through her candy bag, Kaitlyn looks at her mother and tells her she wants to auction her candy for Special Olympics.  Kaitlyn grabs her bag and comes back to the auction.  Sonia hands auctioneer, Greg Askren, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, Kaitlyn’s bag of candy and Kaitlyn joins Greg on the stage. 

Bidding starts and quickly climbs.  One of the auctioneer’s helpers picks up Kaitlyn as she holds her bag of candy.  Spectators at the auction have tears in their eyes and mom has tears running down her face.  The impact of Kaitlyn’s generosity as she willingly gives up her Halloween candy can be seen on the face of everyone in the room.  The bidding keeps climbing and finally Greg yells, “Sold for $1100.00”!  Kaitlyn’s candy is sold to the New York State Police Department and she graciously hands them the bag with a small smile.  Tears, smiles, clapping and shouts of joy were seen and heard throughout the room.  Who wouldn’t be touched when a three year old gives up her Halloween candy to help others?  Two days after Halloween, your candy is your most prized possession at the age of three!

Of course, the New York State Police Department being the upstanding people they are, gave Kaitlyn back her bag of candy.  More cheering and clapping came from the crowd.  You would think the story ends here and Kaitlyn would be happy to keep her candy.  Instead, Kaitlyn walks through the crowd and passes out her candy!  Kaitlyn has forever touched everyone at the conference.  One small act of kindness has proven to make a HUGE impact on MANY.  At this moment, officers of the Law Enforcement Torch Run who donate their time to help the Special Olympics movement have re-affirmed their commitment to the effort.  We all realize that when a three year old gives up her Halloween candy to help the athletes, what could possibly be our excuse not to be committed to helping.  What about you?

Kaitlyn’s act will never be forgotten by anyone in that room. Kaitlyn’s “bag of candy” will be a symbol of giving, and one that should continue to keep giving.  You can join Kaitlyn and the thousands of Law Enforcement Officers who support Special Olympics athletes by continuing to fill Kaitlyn’s bag of candy and make a donation in honor of Kaitlyn’s Kandy for Special Olympics. 

Share this with your friends, co-workers and your children and grandchildren.  People of all ages can make a difference in the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities.  Kaitlyn and Sonia, thank you for touching our lives.