Stearns County Deputies Swap Badges for Aprons in Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota

(KNSI) – Protect and serve will take on a new meaning later this month when law enforcement officers participate in a fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota.

Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka and seven other deputies have volunteered to work the dinner shift at Texas Roadhouse in Waite Park on November 29th for the Tip-A-Cop event. “It’s a fundraiser in which members of law enforcement team up with an experienced server, thank God. And then we just asked for a donation above and beyond what you would tip your server to go to Special Olympics. And 100% of the proceeds from that goes to the program.”

From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., officers will bring customers their food and drinks. Law enforcement will not be serving alcohol. Soyka has done it before and says it’s more challenging than it looks. “There are certain parameters; the servers in the kitchen staff don’t want you in the way you learn really quick. And honestly, it gives you a very big appreciation for the serving industry when you get thrust into it. So, we have very limited roles. It might be me bringing your water, helping with the food, helping clean up, and just being an extra set of hands.”

He and seven of his deputies have stepped up to serve on the special task force. Soyka says if they have enough wait staff, he will pitch in on dishes or be a greeter.

The donations will help pay for Special Olympic Minnesota athletes to train and host competitions.

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