Officers to earn tips for special athletes
Officers and civilian employees from the Yuma Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be at Buffalo Wild Wings today as part of another Tip-A-Cop fundraiser to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.
YPD spokesperson Sgt. Lori Franklin said the event will be held at the restaurant, which is located at 1317 S. Yuma Palms Parkway, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Acting as “celebrity waiters,” officers and agency employees will be at the restaurant earning extra tips for area athletes with intellectual disabilities. All the money raised from the charity event will help fund meals, travel and hotel expenses for the athletes as they compete in events around the state.
During the event, officers will help with simple tasks, such as bringing silverware and menus to customers if necessary. At the end of the evening, the officers will donate all the tips they received for their efforts.
All donations (tips) are tax deductible. The event is also an opportunity for the officers who are participating to let the community know how important the Special Olympics and the special athletes are to them personally.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a yearround fundraising campaign by law enforcement agencies that benefits their local Special Olympic programs. The Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.
For many athletes, the Special Olympics is a path to empowerment, self-esteem, competence, acceptance, joy and friendship, which is a unique opportunity these athletes with intellectual disabilities may not gain anywhere else.
The Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. The Special Olympics currently serve over 2.5 million people in more than 200 programs in 165 countries.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.