Last Thursday’s statewide ‘Tip A Cop Night’ at Texas Roadhouse generated $181,616 for Special Olympics Texas, marking a new record for the annual fundraiser which was put on by police officers and members of nearly 100 law enforcement agencies, across 53 Texas Roadhouse locations in the Lone Star State.
The reported total is expected to slightly increase, as individual locations continue to count funds and donations are still being received. The various groups involved in this event are members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), SOTX’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. In 2016, the group collected $170,000 during the single-night statewide fundraiser.
“The amazing turnout by the Texas Roadhouse customers and the fabulous support we received from the restaurant management, staff and our participating law enforcement units is truly appreciated,” said Doug Ray, SOTX’s statewide LETR director. “For this event to be as successful as it was, it took an entire state to come together for our Special Olympics Texas athletes. On behalf of our organization and our athletes, we are extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.”
During the ‘Tip A Cop’ event, officers assisted the Texas Roadhouse wait staff with refilling beverages and serving bread rolls and cinnamon butter. Cops earned tips for their effort, which were turned in as donations for SOTX to help fund programming, competition and training for more than 58,300 athletes statewide.
‘Tip A Cop’ Night is one of many events put on throughout the year by LETR. Various units will participate in similar statewide fundraisers later this year, including ‘Cops on Top’ at participating Dunkin Donuts locations on Saturday, Sept. 23 and ‘Tip A Cop’ at participating Red Robin restaurants on Saturday, Oct. 21. In 2016, Texas LETR raised over $1.4 million for SOTX.
About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation. Since getting its start in Texas, Torch Run has contributed over $26 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX. The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 58,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.
(News release from Special Olympics Texas)
