LA PLATA, Md. (April 20, 2010)—Usually Charles County Sheriff’s police and correctional officers work to collect paychecks but this April, volunteers will work to collect tips instead — tips they’ll earn by serving patrons at two local restaurants and which they’ll donate to Special Olympics Maryland.
Red Robin, the gourmet burger restaurant in Waldorf Market Place, hosted Tip-a-Cop on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This week, on April 23, Red Lobster seafood restaurant on Mall Circle in Waldorf will host the annual Cops and Lobsters fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Officers will help serve customers and will donate all their tips to Special Olympics Maryland, a sports program for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The Cops and Lobsters event is the result of a longstanding alliance between the Sheriff’s Office and Red Lobster that helps raise money for Special Olympics. Tip a Cop follows the same fundraising concept but this is the first year the Sheriff’s Office and Red Robin have partnered to raise money for the organization.
“Special Olympics is a cause near and dear to Sheriff’s Office employees and we enjoy having the opportunity not only to raise money for such a great cause but to work with local restaurants and meet so many families in our community,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey. “I encourage everyone to join us for a good meal for a great cause.”
The fundraisers are a precursor to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland, which the Sheriff’s Office will host June 10. T-shirts that support the Torch Run will also be sold during Tip a Cop and Cops and Lobsters.