Benton Police Department will join forces with other Saline County law enforcement agencies from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 7 at Colton’s Steakhouse, located at 1925 Landers Road in Benton, to raise funds for Special Olympics Arkansas via the annual Tip-A-Cop event.
Officers will don their aprons as servers, accompanied by Colton’s wait staff to ensure quality, and tips collected throughout the evening will support the year-round Special Olympics Arkansas events for athletes.
“This has really become a signature event since its start in 2007 for everyone involved with Special Olympics Arkansas,” said Captain Kevin Russell. “It means a lot to officers, athletes and customers, and many friendships have formed throughout the years. Plus, it’s your one chance a year to give officers orders, so it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”
He added that customers will also have the opportunity to interact with Captain America and Wonder Woman from 6 p.m. on as well as the option to throw a friend or family member in mock jail at the restaurant throughout the evening.
“For $5, an officer will come to your table, lead the ‘offender’ to the jail cell and take their mug shot, which the friend or family member will be able to share or download from social media. Good behavior will allow them to return to their table.”
More than anything else, organizers say the community support is priceless.
“The athletes always look forward to seeing the officers and they always bond with them,” said Paula Calhoun, field representative for Special Olympics Arkansas Area 10. “Saline County has always been very supportive of the athletes, and I know I can always count on the local officers when we need things done.”
For more information about Tip-A-Cop, call Colton’s Steakhouse at 501-778-6100 or BNPD at 501-776-5948. Visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.org for additional ways to get involved with Special Olympics Arkansas.