Spring Break
'Tip-a-cop' aids Special Olympics
Rafal Wilson
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: News
Chuck's & Margaritas Steak House & Mexican Restaurant, a dimly-lit bar and grill covered in south-of-the-border decorations, hosted its second "Tip-A-Cop" fundraiser on Thursday night to raise money for the Special Olympics.
According to Marc Mercadante, regional director for eastern Connecticut, fundraisers like this one are a necessity since the organization covers all the costs and doesn't require that any of the athletes pay to compete.
"In the Eastern region we have 2,900 athletes and unified partners," said Mercadante.
According to Mercandante, "Tip-A-Cop" is part of a larger fundraising program for the Special Olympics known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run. There are 110 law agencies throughout Connecticut, ranging from the Department of Public Safety to the FBI, that all participate in the program. Last year the agencies raised $400,000 statewide, said Mercandante.
The agency helping at the "Tip-A-Cop" fundraiser was the Bergin Correctional Institution located at 251 Middle Turnpike in Storrs. This has been their sixth year participating in the program, according to Don Cyr, counselor supervisor at Bergin. Bergin also conducts the fundraiser at other locations such as Dunkin' Donuts in Coventry and Tolland, where on average they raise over $1,000.
"It's so great to be part of this," said Cyr. "It's inspiring."
Cyr, who got his first taste of serving last year, said that everyone from the facility comes to support the cause. This was made evident when he pointed out the head of corrections having a meal with his family.
Unfortunately, the turnout wasn't as large as the previous year, although to the untrained eye this wouldn't be obvious, since there were plenty of waiters and law enforcement officers running around keeping up with orders.
"Last year they raised around $1,000," said Bryan Horsley, general manager of Chuck's.
The fundraiser acts as a mutually beneficial event for both the Special Olympics and Chuck's. The Special Olympics organization running the event makes it clear to customers that they should first make sure they tip the waiters and then make their donations to the cause, Horsley said.
According to Marc Mercadante, regional director for eastern Connecticut, fundraisers like this one are a necessity since the organization covers all the costs and doesn't require that any of the athletes pay to compete.
"In the Eastern region we have 2,900 athletes and unified partners," said Mercadante.
According to Mercandante, "Tip-A-Cop" is part of a larger fundraising program for the Special Olympics known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run. There are 110 law agencies throughout Connecticut, ranging from the Department of Public Safety to the FBI, that all participate in the program. Last year the agencies raised $400,000 statewide, said Mercandante.
The agency helping at the "Tip-A-Cop" fundraiser was the Bergin Correctional Institution located at 251 Middle Turnpike in Storrs. This has been their sixth year participating in the program, according to Don Cyr, counselor supervisor at Bergin. Bergin also conducts the fundraiser at other locations such as Dunkin' Donuts in Coventry and Tolland, where on average they raise over $1,000.
"It's so great to be part of this," said Cyr. "It's inspiring."
Cyr, who got his first taste of serving last year, said that everyone from the facility comes to support the cause. This was made evident when he pointed out the head of corrections having a meal with his family.
Unfortunately, the turnout wasn't as large as the previous year, although to the untrained eye this wouldn't be obvious, since there were plenty of waiters and law enforcement officers running around keeping up with orders.
"Last year they raised around $1,000," said Bryan Horsley, general manager of Chuck's.
The fundraiser acts as a mutually beneficial event for both the Special Olympics and Chuck's. The Special Olympics organization running the event makes it clear to customers that they should first make sure they tip the waiters and then make their donations to the cause, Horsley said.
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