Cops Will Be Waiters Thursday for Fundraiser at Darien Social

Police are here to protect and serve, but on Thursday night a group of volunteers from the Darien police force will be emphasizing the serving — as waiters for a charity fundraiser.

Darien police issued this news release Wednesday about the Thursday evening event:

During the past week officers from the Darien Police Department participated in The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics Connecticut.

LETR is held in 50 states and in 46 countries and began 32 years ago in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive.

For several years the Darien Police Department has supported the Special Olympics of Connecticut.   In 1986, Connecticut had its first Torch Run with a few legs converging onto the campus of the University of Connecticut at Storrs.

The run then became a statewide event involving several more cities and towns. Since its inception, the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run has grown into the largest grass roots fund-raising event for Special Olympics Connecticut.

Darien Police Officers participate year in and year out and find it extremely beneficial to volunteer their time to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics.

This year’s Torch Run took place June 4 through June 6, covered 530 miles, and ran through more than 100 cities and towns. It was estimated that over 1,500 Law Enforcement officers and Special Olympics Athletes participated in this year's Torch Run.

On Saturday June 7, Darien Police Chief Duane Lovello joined several other Connecticut chiefs of police at the CT Special Olympics Medals Ceremony held at Southern Connecticut State University.

The chiefs were on hand to present medals, but found it a great opportunity to spend time with athletes, families, event organizers, and spectators.

The LETR initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles. Special events like Polar Plunges®, Cop on Top®, Tip A Cop®, and a Truck Convoy are just some of the other events held each year. 

On Thursday June 12, 2014 the Darien Police will be holding a Tip-A-Cop® night at the Darien Social.  At Tip-A-Cop fundraisers, Darien officers serve as waiters at restaurants and they donate all the tips they receive to Special Olympics.

Tip-A-Cop events are one of the main fundraisers for the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, which is one of the largest fundraising arms of Special Olympics.  All tips are tax-deductible and support sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

So help support Special Olympics Connecticut and join us Thursday night June 12 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Darien Social, 10 Center St., Darien.  Reservations are recommended so call now 203-614-8183