Red Lobster, local law enforcement fundraise for Special Olympics

The event raised $1,375 in its first week.

By Alicia Stice

Published April 16, 2010

The 16th annual "Tip-a-Cop" event, which benefits Special Olympics, wrapped up Thursday at the Red Lobster in Columbia.

Officers from the Boone County Sheriff's Department and Columbia Police Department spent their evening filling drink orders and chatting with restaurant patrons to raise money for the Missouri Special Olympics.

Administrative Sheriff's Deputy Angela Ayers said the program raised $1,375 in donations last Thursday.

"We're hoping to match and exceed that this week," Ayers said.

For the past two Thursdays, local law enforcement officers have volunteered their time for the program during lunch and dinner hours. This Thursday, Missouri Special Olympics swimmer/bowler/tennis player Sarah Byland greeted restaurant patrons. Byland is heading to Lincoln, Neb., this July to compete as a bowler in the national games.

When asked how long she had been participating in the Special Olympics, Byland laughed and said "a long time."

CPD officer Jason McClintic said this was his first year participating in the program. He said all funds raised went toward supporting the 15,000 Missouri athletes who compete in the Special Olympics. Four city police officers were fundraising at the event.

Over the course of the evening, officers talked to patrons about the Special Olympics and the need for the fundraiser.

"Once an individual makes their order, we'll tell them about what we're doing and how they can donate," Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey said. "When they run low on water or tea or need a clean fork, we'll take care of that."

Carey volunteers at the event every year and said the Sheriff's Department has been participating in this event since before he became sheriff in 2005.

"We believe in helping the Special Olympics, and that's why we're doing this," he said.

Officers give patrons envelopes for donations before leaving the restaurant. Money is raised through the sale of Missouri Special Olympics T-shirts and donations officers make in tips.

Ayers, who coordinated this year's event, said Red Lobster used to act as a corporate sponsor for the Special Olympics, and though it no longer does, the restaurant wanted to continue the program.

"I just offered to coordinate the event and solicit volunteers from local law enforcement and get things set up so we can keep this event going because the local Red Lobster wants to keep it going also," she said.

Former Columbia Police Department Chief Randy Boehm, who now works as head of security of University Hospital, is a big supporter of the event, Ayers said.

Boehm was at the event both days and said he has been involved with the "Tip-a-Cop" program since it started 16 years ago. Boehm, who loves to run, first became involved with the Special Olympics 24 years ago as part of the torch run event.

"Once I became involved and got to know the athletes, it just seemed like the right thing to do," he said.