Tip A Cop” to benefit Special Olympics North Dakota set for Sept. 24 and 25

(Grand Forks, ND) – Law enforcement personnel across the state are asking for your tips— but it has nothing to do with crime and everything to do with serving the public.

On Sept. 24 and 25, from 5-9 p.m., more than 100 law enforcement personnel will volunteer their time hosting in Applebee‘s Neighborhood Grill and Bars across the state to raise awareness and tip money for Special Olympics.  This is the 7^th annual event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, which consists of volunteers from all agencies of law enforcement.  The Law Enforcement Torch Run program is the largest public awareness and fundraising program for Special Olympics throughout the world.

The event will take place during the dinner shifts from 5-9 p.m. at eleven Applebee‘s restaurants in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot and Williston.  "We want to be a good neighbor in all of our North Dakota communities and with the support of the area law enforcement, we can provide a purposeful fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota," said Myron Thompson, chief executive officer of Apple Core Enterprises, the management corporation for all North Dakota‘s Applebee‘s locations.

“We‘re thrilled to have Applebee‘s and the Law Enforcement communities team up to support Special Olympics and programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Kathleen Meagher, President/CEO of Special Olympics North Dakota.  “Through their involvement, the law enforcement volunteers embrace the idea that people with intellectual disabilities can be respected, valued and contributing members of society. With Applebee’s Tip a Cop program, they share this ideal and raise funds to support on-going opportunities for those who participate in Special Olympics.”

In 2012, the event generated more than $14,500 and the group hopes to exceed that with this year‘s repeat event.

Special Olympics North Dakota provides programs for 1,400 North Dakota children and adults with intellectual disabilities to enable them to become a more accepted and integral part of the communities in which they reside.  The programs that are offered by Special Olympics increase inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into the community by breaking down barriers that have historically kept these people separate.