Sonora, CA — Applebee´s was the host and Tuolumne County Special Olympics was the beneficiary of the Monday evening Tip A Cop Night fundraiser before a packed house.
Law enforcement personnel from the Sheriff´s Office, the Highway Patrol and the Sonora Police Department turned out to join forces with Special Olympic athletes. Seven law enforcement officers donated their evening to help raise funds for uniforms, equipment and travel. A record amount of $1,600 was raised in the three hour time period.
Each officer was joined by a Special Olympics athlete. Together they waited on the tables that were completely filled during the six to seven o´clock hour. They were, of course, assisted by Applebee´s waitresses.
Tuolumne County Special Olympic athletes compete in floor hockey, bowling, aquatics, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. Community volunteers coach the athletes in the eight spots.
The athletes will spend this weekend at the Special Olympics regional basketball tournament at Hoover High School in Fresno.
Sabrina Harwell serves as Special Olympics coordinator for Tuolumne County. Harwell has also initiated Special Olympic programs in a number of Tuolumne County schools with an assist from Superintendent Joe Silva.
Written by Bill Johnson
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 1:37 pm