|
more articles like this
Law Enforcement Torch Run
updated: Apr 07, 2012, 9:15 AM
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® was initiated in Kansas 30 years ago, with the premise that it would grow to
be a significant contributor to Special Olympic programs. That first year a handful of police officers raised 200
dollars. It has now blossomed into a world-wide event with 85,000 peace officer participants, making it one of
the largest fundraising arms of the Special Olympics. They have raised 43 million dollars for this distinguished
charity in 2011 alone. Special Olympic Chapters receive no government funding and rely solely on the support
of our local community, making LETR events, like their Tip-A-Cop dinners, all the more compelling.
Tip-A-Cop events are one of the main fundraisers for the Law Enforcement Torch Run®. By participating
in our regional Tip-A-Cop fundraisers, both in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, local Law Enforcement
Officers give a new connotation to "serve and protect." Officers will serve as "celebrity waiters," providing the
community with excellent service in return for tips, which are then collected and donated to our regional Special
Olympic programs. All tips are tax-deductible and support sports training and competition for local children
and adults with intellectual disabilities. Tip-A-Cop has been the preferred way for officers to raise funds, and
the public adores having the officers wait on them hand and foot. The Law Enforcement Torch Run in San Luis
Obispo County raised more than $85,000 for the Special Olympics last year.
These fundraising dinners greatly benefit local Special Olympic Athletes by providing support for their
competition at both local and state levels. Besides the honorable achievement of raising funds for a worthy
cause, this event is a key annual contributor to community solidarity and fellowship. The North County Tip-
A-Cop soiree will be held on May 8th, 2012 at the Paso Robles Event Center located at the fairgrounds. The
Central County Tip-A-Cop fête will be held on May 9th, 2012 at the Alex Madonna Expo Center located at San
Luis Obispo's historic Madonna Inn. Both dinners will also be complemented with a raffle, guaranteeing a fun-
filled and exciting evening.
Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with
intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, inspired and accomplished members of society through sports
training and competition. Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County serves more than 750 athletes and
provides 12 different sports year round. All of the training and competition programs are free of cost to athletes
and their families. Upcoming public events include the annual SLOC Regional Spring games, which will be
held at Cuesta College on Friday May 4th 2012. Last year more than 400 Special Olympics athletes competed
at Cuesta College, contending in aquatics, track and field events, basketball and bocce. The execution of this
celebrated event would not have happened without the support of a small army of over 900 volunteers. Such a
high-level of community support is to be commended.
To purchase Tip-A-Cop dinner tickets, please contact Bill Proll at: Bproll@slocity.org or at: 805.781.7369
Be the first to comment on this article.
# # # #
|
