Who:    Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC), local Law Enforcement agencies, and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (Red Robin International, Inc.)

What:   Local law enforcement will trade in their handcuffs and badges for gourmet burgers and aprons at Red Robin restaurants in Southern California as part of the national Tip-A-Cop event benefitting Special Olympics. Law enforcement will collect tips and help serve Red Robin restaurant guests.

When:   Thursday, October 22, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: Red Robin Valencia – 24201 Valencia Blvd.  #1351, Valencia, CA  91355

We encourage media to visit one of the local Red Robin restaurants for interviews and photos with local law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes and representatives. For a complete list of participating Southern California locations, visit www.sosc.org/redrobin.

Why:    Supporting local and national causes, like Special Olympics, that promote the health and welfare of families and citizens in local communities is an important part of the Red Robin culture.  The Red Robin® Tip-A-Cop Campaign began in 2005 and has since raised close to $5 million for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) in its support of Special Olympics.

Tip-A-Cop® is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) campaign. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop®, is represented by more than 97,000 law enforcement officers worldwide to help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is a global movement that empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 33 Olympic-type sports and more than 81,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including the Christmas Records Trust, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics®, The Coca-Cola Company, Lions Clubs International, Mattel, P&G, Bank of America, Essilor Vision Foundation, the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Finish Line, The Safeway Foundation, and Safilo Group. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: twitter@specialolympics, fb.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, instagram.com/specialolympics and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.

About Special Olympics Southern California

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is an accredited 501(c)(3) non-profit of Special Olympics Inc. SOSC enriches the lives of more than 19,625 athletes with intellectual disabilities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties through sports, education, and athlete health. Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California provides free year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation develops improved physical fitness and motor skills and greater self-confidence. Learn how you can get involved at www.sosc.org.