LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Diners at Southern California Claim Jumper Restaurants will enjoy an extra level of service on Thursday, April 29 when law enforcement officials from all over Southern California will serve as celebrity hosts and waiters to raise money for Special Olympics Southern California during the annual "Tip A Cop" event.
Last year, more than $55,000 was raised by the Claim Jumper Tip A Cop event. "We look forward to the Tip A Cop night every year because it is a fun and entertaining way for the community to become more aware of what Special Olympics is doing in their local area," said Rafer Johnson, Chairman SOSC Board of Governors. "We urge everyone to visit one of the 21 Southern California Claim Jumper Restaurants and enjoy a great meal with extra special service to help support our local area programs."
The money raised benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run(r) for Special Olympics and benefits local athletes in each community.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run(r) is an annual event requiring the efforts of more than 3,000 runners, both law enforcement personnel and athletes, to carry the Special Olympics torch as it makes its way through Southern California. The run officially begins on Tuesday, June 1 at the U.S./Mexico border, following a ceremony involving Mexican and U.S. law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics athletes from both countries.
Special Olympics Southern California serves over 11,000 children and adults with mental retardation in an eleven-county region of Southern California. The program offers sports training and competition in 23 individual and team sports on a year-round basis. Athletes range in age from eight to 80. SOSC is one of 52 accredited Special Olympics entities operating in the United States. For more information about Special Olympics Southern California, please visit www.sosc.org.