Tip-a-Cop fundraiser brings in $2K for Special Olympics Texas

The Olympic torch relay is considered a symbol of peace, friendship, tolerance and hope.

On Thursday, local San Marcos law enforcement officials and Texas Roadhouse paired together, emulating those same symbolic gestures this time in support of Special Olympics Texas by participating in the Tip-a-Cop fundraiser.

Special Olympics Texas said San Marcos Police Department officers, mental health officers and local Texas Department of Safety troopers raised nearly $2,000 on Thursday in four hours.

“We are very grateful for our continued partnership with Texas Roadhouse. The Tip-a-Cop event held across the state of Texas has always been one of our most successful events in terms of revenue but also just amazing in regards to the community engagement and bringing together all areas of the Special Olympics Texas family,” said Doug Ray, Special Olympics Texas Senior Development Director — Law Enforcement Torch Run. “It is one night where our law enforcement partners, our athletes, our families and our staff are working toward one common goal."

This was the 13th annual event that included members of the Torch Run Officers who collected donations in support of Special Olympics Texas. Their efforts have contributed to a campaign that has raised almost $1.2 million for the organization.

“Giving back is part of the culture of Texas Roadhouse and partnering up with the local police force and Special Olympics for Tip-a-Cop Fundraiser is always awesome for our store,” said Hector Lozano, Local Store Marketer for Texas Roadhouse. “It's great to see how many of our local area police officers showed up to support the fundraiser ... It truly demonstrates how much they care about our community.”

The Tip-a-Cop fundraiser is a year-round movement that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All money raised locally will stay local with athletes.