Sgt. Darrin Walker of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station explains to Hill Street Café diners Gita Singh (seated, right), Leah Nagel (left, front) and Saira Singh (left, rear) what the Tip-A-Cop program is about.
By Robin GOLDSWORTHY
Diners at the popular Hill Street Café in La Cañada got a surprise on Friday morning when local deputies were ready to serve in a whole other way.
Hill Street Café was the location for the annual Tip-A-Cop event that benefits Special Olympics Southern California. Sheriff deputies from Altadena and Crescenta Valley stations were on hand to greet diners when they came into the restaurant, escorting them to their table and explaining what the Tip-A-Cop program is about. Serving meals and chatting with customers, the deputies were hoping to earn tips that would be donated to Special Olympics.
According to its website, the mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
But athletes weren’t the only ones who benefitted from Friday’s event. This was the first time that Sgt. Darrin Walker of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station participated in Tip-A-Cop.
“It’s a fun time,” he said. “It’s nice to interact with the community.”
As he was greeting diners, a man walked up to him and shook his hand, thanking him for his service.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Walker said. “This is a great community.”
Vicki Stuckey, captain of the Altadena station, was also found on Friday waiting tables and earning tips. She said she is a big supporter of Special Olympics.
“Anything I can do for Special Olympics, I’ll do,” said Capt. Stuckey.
Capt. Chris Blasnek, from the CV Sheriff’s Station, also lent a hand.
“I think it’s a great way for the community to see our compassionate side,” he said of the value of the program for both the station and community. “To be a supporter is not only exciting for the athletes, but it is very rewarding for the deputies. It’s also a reminder that we support every aspect of the community. We are good at raising money for charity. It’s one of the things we do best!”
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