Restaurants, CDCR staff partner for charity
Volunteers from California Medical Facility (CMF) partnered with a restaurant in Rancho Cordova, where they raised money for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC).
The statewide fundraising program is known as Tip-A-Cop. During the fundraiser, sworn and non-sworn CDCR staff assist restaurant employees in waiting tables while also sharing information about Special Olympics. While the wait staff still receive their tips, CDCR staff ask guests to consider donating to the cause.
As an added bonus, knowing a large CDCR training was taking place nearby, the CMF team assembled to-go lunches so trainees could chip in for Special Olympics.
Community service is a CDCR tradition, and when it comes to Special Olympics, employees statewide think outside the box to raise funds. Other events include the Polar Plunge and Law Enforcement Torch Run.
In 2018, CDCR raised $203,000 for SONC, and $204,000 for the Special Olympics Southern California.
Video by Clarissa Resultan, TV Specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications
CMF Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop at a glance
Amanda Schoennauer, general manager at Perko’s Cafe, said when CDCR reached out, the restaurant was ready to help.
“We are excited to support this event because not only does it support the community, but it supports Special Olympics, and that is important to us,” she said.
Chance Andes, CDCR staff member, said Special Olympics is important to so many people.
“It’s extremely exciting to watch these athletes and how gratifying it is for them to compete in events,” Andes said. “Our staff, our officers, our sergeants, our correctional staff will work with the waiting staff and interact with the community, talk about the event, talk about the Special Olympics, talk about what the money goes to.”
The event doesn’t take away from restaurant staff, he said.
“The waiters and waitresses still do their jobs,” Andes said. “They still get their tips, and we just ask the customers to (consider donating) extra to this event.”
Many restaurant patrons are there specifically to donate.
“I’m here to support the Special Olympics by attending the Tip-A-Cop event,” said one guest. “My daughter is a peace officer, so she’s doing her duty, and we’re here to support.”
Megan Cherinka, with CMF, said the work Special Olympics does is important around the globe, not just in Northern California.
“The special athletes are adults and children with intellectual disabilities,” she said. “This assists them to develop courage, to develop teamwork, and a pride of doing something well in a competitive nature. The money that we’re raising today actually goes toward assisting the athletes with sports equipment, travel, uniforms, and just getting their best foot forward.”
Learn more about SONC and SOSC.