Tip-A-Cop event to help Special Olympics

The Yuma Police Department is continuing its efforts to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics with another “Tip-ACop” event next week.

The event will be held at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1317 S. Yuma Palms Parkway, on Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Acting as “celebrity waiters,” YPD officers and employees, as well as officers from other area law enforcement agencies, will be at the restaurant earning tips (donations) for area athletes with intellectual disabilities.

During the event, officers will help with simple tasks, such as bringing silverware and menus to customers. Sgt. Lori Franklin said at the end of the evening the officers will donate all the tips they received for their efforts.

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.

The 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.

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 Olympictype summer and winter sports. The Special Olympics currently serve over 2.5 million people in more than 200 programs in 165 countries.