Crime & Safety
Fountain Valley Residents Tip Cops to Benefit Special Olympics
Residents got to see various law enforcement vehicles up close, meet local police officers, and clown around at this year's Tip-a-Cop event.
Fountain Valley police officers gave a whole new meaning to "protect and serve" at this year's Tip-A-Cop fundraiser held at the Fountain Valley Claim Jumper.
Detectives, patrol officers, Explorers and even the chief of police served as "celebrity" waiters and hosts and their "tip" proceeds will be donated to local Special Olympics programs.
The Police Department had an array of activities including K-9 demonstrations, a police motorcycle, the new SWAT truck and an antique fire truck. The Volunteer Clowns of Orange County entertained with balloons, prizes, and face painting. There was also a raffle for fine jewelry, a 50/50 raffle, and silent auction gift baskets to round out the fundraising.
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The showcased members of the police department visited diners at their tables accompanied by Special Olympics athletes to explain the program and how it benefits the athletes. “I'm selling a lot of tickets tonight!” said Scott McCall, Special Olympics athlete, as he walked with police officers to offer tickets to the raffles. Diners were also invited to participate in the fundraising auctions and raffles. Outside the restaurant, diners stopped to check out an enormous Radio Flyer wagon and an array of vintage cars and hot rods.
Last year's event raised more than $17,000, the largest single-night gross in the nationwide history of the event. One of the big-ticket items of the event was the Goodyear Blimp ride in the raffle, while a police ride along was another crowd favorite. Fountain Valley City Council member Mark McCurdy was spotted enoying a snack and a chat with Miss Fountain Valley Chairperson Keeli Scott Lisack while many other city luminaries mingled with the guests and police department personnel.
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Tip-A-Cop is a favorite way for officers to raise money, and the public enjoys having the officers wait on them hand and foot. “It's one of the only times you get to ask a cop to do something for you!” said Tina Cole of Huntington Beach, “and they are nice to look at.”
