A Polk County Police Detective used to acting as an internet sleuth is instead turning toward the web to help with raising money for a good cause.

Detective B. Brady, who is also a local member of the statewide task force tracking down and arresting child predators online, is asking the community to help with donations to help him exceed (which he already has) a $500 goal to provide money for the Special Olympics of Georgia. Donors have so far given hundreds of dollars in an effort to now get to a $1,500 goal.

Brady’s most of the way there to his latest goal, with just a few hundred dollars left. Those interested in helping get to and surpass the goal locally can find the donation page at this Classy.org listing.

He became interested in the Special Olympics program when the department was able to make a donation for Special Olympics of Polk County a few years ago. After being present for the event, he knew he wanted to do more.

“We did something a couple of years back for the Special Olympics in Polk County and gave them a donation,” he said. “I’ve seen the Special Olympics ceremonies, and it is rewarding to see that and I wanted to do more.”

A greater level of involvement – and friendly competition – began when he joined efforts by friends within the GBI to do more for the organization providing opportunities for those with special needs to take part in athletic competition based on their abilities. He said agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have participated for several years in fundraising efforts, and when they learned of Polk County’s Night to Shine program, they offered to help with the program by participating for the night, coming from around North Georgia and Metro Atlanta.

Now Brady said it was time to return the favor, hence his participation in the latest fundraiser. But for him, it’s not just about the money, it’s about the smiles that are on those athletes who get to take part in Special Olympics during opening ceremonies and events, and their ultimate reward of getting to have fun.

“Being able to see the kids when the participate in their event, I think it’s really cool. I think it’s a good cause, and anything we can do for them is worthy of our time,” Brady said.

He hopes it brings about an effort to do more locally for Special Olympics in Polk County as well.