If I see a police car behind me, even if I’m totally within the law, my heart beats a little faster. Or if I enter a building, whether it’s a business, a store, a restaurant, or even a school, and there are a number of law officers around, I immediately think something is wrong. Most of us — maybe all of us — have a tendency to think that way.
But on Saturday, when I pulled into the parking lot of Red Robin restaurant in Valparaiso, my heart did a happy beat when I saw several Porter County Sheriff’s Department vehicles there. Diners were met by a man or woman in uniform for the best of reasons.
It was an Indiana Special Olympics statewide fundraiser, and the many officers were there to volunteer for “Tip-A-Cop.” As customers were led to their table, they were given an envelope by a sheriff’s officer requesting an extra tip that day for Special Olympians. There was absolutely no pressure on anyone, and the sealed envelope went into a box as people left, so there was no way anyone would know if a donation was enclosed. That’s what made the results of the day so overwhelming.
The first shift, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., began with Sheriff Dave Reynolds giving out minibadges to kids from 2 to 72, along with a “Get Out of Jail” card to use in the future if necessary. (I took a handful.) The second shift, from 4 to 8 p.m., also included giving out goodies to the kids.
I’m not sure who enjoyed the day more — the officers who were bringing water to customers or clearing tables, or the Special Olympics athletes who took great pride in being there to thank the patrons and shake hands as they left their envelopes. The officers were having fun learning to know our athletes, and our athletes were thrilled to be part of the Sheriff’s Department for a day. Plenty of cameras were clicking during both shifts.
Reynolds said the goal was to raise $700 in the morning session so that the afternoon crew would have to try and top it. Two of the detectives were secluded in the manager’s office to count the early shift’s tips, and it was a super surprise to learn that more than $1,100 was donated. The evening group had every confidence that they could play “Can you top this?” After all, dinner crowds are usually larger that lunch crowds. The officers were amazed, as they topped their co-workers by raising enough tips to bring the total to more than $2,900.
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What a great group of diners came to Red Robin on Saturday to tip the cops for the benefit of some great athletes, and what a wonderful gift from the many Porter County police officers who volunteered their time while making our athletes feel special. A most sincere thank you from our 550 athletes and their families to Sheriff Dave Reynolds, Tanya Gear, Paul Czupryn, Darryl Henson, Darrell Hobgood, Matt Boone, Tim Demuc, Mike Steege, David Cavanaugh and Joseph Creed, and an extra high-five to officers Jeremy Chavez and Jamie Erow for being there for both shifts.
And Red Ribbon manager Chris Blaylock and his staff were so very kind in allowing their place to be invaded for a day and opening their doors to this fundraiser each year. The sheriff, officers, Red Robin staff and diners, you are all my pet persons of the week, and bless you for your caring and sharing.
Another enormous high-five and hip-hooray goes to Union Center Elementary School students and staff in Valparaiso for raising $2,900 to send to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for the purchase of a red wagon. What do they need wagons for? That is how young patients are transported to various places while they are hospitalized. It certainly is better than having to be in a wheelchair and reminded that you’re “sick.”
The challenge came from principal Jack Birmingham, who was hoping to raise enough to buy a $1,924 wagon. I have a feeling he was the proudest person in the school when the effort raised an extra $1,000. Thanks for caring, kids. Have a happy and safe Halloween. Now I hope you all have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.