Officers Trade in Uniforms for Aprons to Serve Burgers

REDLANDS>> Accustomed to handing out crime-prevention and public safety tips, Redlands police officers will instead be accepting tips to benefit Special Olympics Southern California from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Redlands Red Robin restaurant, 27476 Lugonia Ave. Redlands Police officers and other RPD personnel will volunteer their time as servers alongside Red Robin’s wait staff to collect tips from guests to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California. “Special Olympics Southern California is proud to partner with local law enforcement and Red Robin for this wonderful event,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “It’s a great way to support our athletes and enjoy great company with a delicious meal.” Tip-A-Cop is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign in support of Special Olympics. The Torch Run is supported by more than 100,000 law enforcement members worldwide who help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. As the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated. Last year, the Tip-A-Cop raised $93,517 in Southern California and $660,433 nationwide. In 11 years, Tip-A-Cop events at Red Robin restaurants nationwide have raised more than $3.3 million to support both Special Olympics and the mission of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. This funding continues to support year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports throughout the United States.