It's 2018 and more than 22,000 donuts later, Tyler Carach of "I Donut Need A Reason To Thank A Cop" is gearing up for another generous act: thanking every cop in America. It all started a few years ago when Tyler spotted some police officers at a gas station for a routine fill-up with his mother, Sheena Carach. Tyler asked Sheena for permission to buy the officers donuts as a gesture of gratitude for their dedication and service; the rest is history.
While Tyler's cause was gaining attention (Tyler landed a spot on The Steve Harvey Show! and even this spotlight by Lifezette.com) the pint-sized hero worked hard at earning money himself to buy more donuts to give away by taking on extra chores, and even gathering and selling scrap metal, to fund his selfless cause.
Now 10 years old, Tyler has come a long way in spreading love to the men and women in blue. 2018 promises a busy schedule of donut-giving, including a trip to Alaska to visit police departments out there (a long journey for the Florida based family!).
Here at ALTAI™, we stand behind Tyler's charitable efforts and donate 2% of all sales on department-approved boots towards his cause. You can find more ways to get behind this heart-warming story of thanking police officers on our website.
It’s been a couple weeks since we introduced the young man, Tyler, who is on a mission: to thank every cop in America with a donut for his or her services. It’s a tall order for a relatively short guy, but his determination is helping him reach his goals and supporting law enforcement where it is well-deserved.
To kick off the first week, Tyler arrived at St. Augustine with 120 donuts from the A1A Dunkin’ Donuts, ready to hand them out. While grabbing a quick breakfast beforehand, Tyler was surprised by a K9 officer and K9 Kilo, given a ride (sirens, lights, the works!) and was escorted to the department to receive a parking lot full of squad cars with their lights on to honor Tyler.
After a few more grueling stops thanking cops, Tyler and his family rest in Ellijay, Georgia before hitting the road again! Just in time for the 4th of July, the Donut Boy was able to continue his mission, where Dunkin’ Donuts, again, providing a Donut Boy discount for two dozen donuts for Tyler to give away.
https://www.facebook.com/100010151088075/videos/vb.100010151088075/483105638704468/?type=2&theater
In beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, Tyler even got to meet Officer Joe Jones, seen in this heart-warming video that went viral: a perfect example of outstanding community development by law enforcement officers, a perfect reason to thank a cop, as Tyler does.
We’ll have more updates as the week goes on, so stay tuned! If you want to get involved and help this boy and his important mission thanking the men and women who serve, visit Tyler’s Facebook page for more information.
And don’t forget! 2% of your purchase of any department approved ALTAI™ boot will go towards helping Tyler’s cause; everyone gets a treat, including your feet.
The fundraising event for Sgt. Jesse Garcia raised $4,000, and Minneapolis Police Officer Richard Walker won the ALTAI™ boots in the silent auction. My wife and I met ALTAI™ Outreach Director Don White and his wife in the Yarusso’s parking lot, where the event was staged with tents and tables. There were about 50 motorcycle riders present from the bike run earlier that day; many of them representing police chapters of various bike clubs. Silent auction items and bid sheets were assembled on tables near the entrance, and we bid on some of the items before going through the buffet and sitting down to eat. The dinner was terrific, which is no surprise since Yarusso’s has been a St. Paul fixture since 1933.
A few days later Officer Walker came to the ALTAI™ showroom in Oakdale and selected a pair of short black boots as his prize. Officer Walker told me he works with Sgt. Garcia, and while he was happy to win the auction we both felt the gravity of Sgt. Garcia’s condition - our hearts were with Sgt. Garcia and his family. Thank you Officer Walker for your loyalty and support to your brother-in-blue.
Postscript: Sgt. Jesse Garcia passed away the morning of June 30th, 2015. Thank you Sgt. Garcia for your dedicated service; rest in peace brother.