Area Police Descend Upon Rohnert Park Applebee's for "Tip a Cop" Fundraiser

About 20 police officers teamed up with seven servers at in Rohnert Park Monday night for the “Tip a Cop” program that that benefits the Special Olympics of Northern California.

The idea is: officers from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, the California Highway Patrol and the Cotati Police Department wait on Applebee's patrons — and while refilling beverages, clearing plates, running food and serving cocktails, the cops each talk to patrons about the cause and ask for money for the olympics.

Lise Jewhurst, the restaurant’s manager, welcomed the barrage of black and blue. Normally Monday nights are so, so dead, she said.

“We love doing this kind of thing, and it’s nice to be able to help out the Special Olympics,” Jewhurst said. “It’s also fun to be on the other side, we get to tell cops what to do and not the other way around.”

Police Chief Brian Masterson, who helped right along with everyone else, said Rohnert Park’s officers have been participating in the fundraiser for about 10 years.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the community,” Masterson said. “We’re here to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics, it’s nice that we get to let the athletes know we appreciate them and that they’re important to the community.”

According to Carole Alsbury, the volunteer director for the Special of Olympics Sonoma County, last year’s fundraiser netted $3,000 in one night.

“It’s a tradition, and it grows every year,” Alsbury said.

This year, Alsbury said, 12 Rohnert Park residents are competing in the Special Olympics, held at U.C. Davis from July 26-28. The event is free and open to the public. Alsbury estimated that all together, 2,000 athletes participate, from Kings County (just south of Fresno) to the northern California border.

Kevin Huskey, 29, who competes in the Special Olympics, was grateful for the show of support. Huskey is a multisport athlete — he plays softball, basketball, soccer and tennis, he said.

“This is awesome that the police spend their time here, it helps us out a lot,” Huskey said.

The restaurant got a little crowded, but it’s something different, so it was fun, said Rachael Silva, 25, one of the servers, who is also a Sonoma State University student.

“It’s nice to have a helping hand too,” Silva said.

Silva’s helper was Matt Gray, a Young Explorer who wants to be a cop when he grows up.

“It’s a great way to help the Special Olympics,” Gray said.

Editor’s note: The Public Safety Department is hosting their third “Running with the Pack” fundraiser May 14 for the Special Olympics. The race, which many athletes will participate in, begins at the Rohnert Park Community Center, at 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Online registration is $25, or $30 the day of the event; all proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. Checks can be made out the Special Olympics of Northern California. Participants can register online, call the department at 707-584-2650 or mail payments to 500 City Center Drive, Rohnert Park, Ca. 94928.