May 22, 2005
Lodi PD Teams Up with Applebee’s to Raise Money for Special Olympics
On Tuesday, May 24th 2005, officers from the Lodi Police Department will replace handcuffs and badges with serving trays and menus as part of a “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser, when Applebee’s teams up with local law enforcement to raise money for Special Olympics. “Celebrity Waiters” from Lodi PD will assist Applebee’s wait staff serving lunch from 11:30 – 2:00 and dinner from 5:30 – 8:00 pm in hopes of earning an extra “tip” to benefit local Special Olympics athletes. Applebee’s is located at 2448 West Kettleman Lane in Lodi.
“Tip-A-Cop” is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics - a year-round fundraising effort organized and managed by local law enforcement personnel from Federal, Military, State, County and Local agencies. Funds are raised throughout the year through a variety of events. In June, hundreds of law enforcement personnel carry the Flame of Hope through over 30 counties, culminating at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games in Stockton. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is now the largest grass-roots fundraising program and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics and the single largest supporter of the annual Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics programs are free to all eligible athletes ages 8 and older. Financial support for Special Olympics programs comes almost exclusively from generous individuals, corporations, foundations & organizations. Last year, officers in Northern California raised over $850,000 to support Special Olympics programs in their areas.
Contact: Officer Robert Paine at 209-329-5016 or Lt. Bill Barry at 209-329-2966