Danville officers go to work to raise funds for Special Olympics

Law enforcement officers were out in force Friday at Texas Steakhouse & Saloon, encouraging diners to leave generous tips for the benefit of the local Special Olympics.

It was the third month in a row this year that the “Tip a Cop” program gave officers from the Danville Police

Department and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office a chance to fill water glasses, elicit donations and connect with the community in a casual atmosphere.

“Texas Steakhouse is family friendly and community oriented, and they have really rolled out the red carpet for us,” said Danville police officer Steve Anderson, who spearheaded the event. “The officers go from table to table and

provide literature about the Special Olympics, fill glasses, bus tables and interact in a good, positive manner.”

Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor called it a great way to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

“The public is so good to support this, even in these difficult economic times,” he said. “It’s good for them to meet the officers and see a side of them they don’t usually see.”

Texas Steakhouse Manager Bob Deislinger said that the restaurant plans on doing the fundraiser at least every month through the summer.

“The staff loves it, and everyone loves the extra help,” he said. “We raised close to $2,900 during the January and February event.”

Deislinger planned a couple of special events to add to the fundraiser.

So many people ask about the giant steer head — Anderson has named him “Hank” — that hangs in the restaurant lobby that Deislinger decided to auction it off.

People throughout the day bid on Hank and one lucky person was the winner at the end of the day.

Virginia International Raceway in Alton also donated three-day passes to the Bosch Engineering 250 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series on April 24-26. The first eight diners to donate $40 or more received a pass.

Three women who happened to eat lunch at Texas Steakhouse on Friday were surprised to find themselves being waited on by a police officer, but they didn’t seem to mind.

“It’s a nice way to raise money for Special Olympics,” Nancy Durham said.

“Plus, we get to eat,” Jo Ellen Belton added.

Capt. James McLaughlin with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office was one of the law enforcement officers trying his hand at waiting.

“Nobody’s complained yet,” he said, “and they’ve left me a nice, little tip.”

The officers were on duty at the restaurant from noon to 8 p.m.

Tip a Cop, Texas Steakhouse and the Special Olympics seem like a natural fit since the steakhouse is owned by Boddie-Noell Enterprises, which supports the Special Olympics nationally, and Anderson said the Special Olympics is the charity of choice for law enforcement.

The officers from both the city and county have participated for years in a similar fundraiser called “Cops and Lobsters” at Red Lobster in Danville.

Danville’s school resource officers spearhead the fundraisers in the area, Anderson said.

While they were pouring water for customers Friday, the officers also were selling $5 raffle tickets in a joint venture with the George Washington High School Key Club.

“The Danville Police Department supports the Key Club in their projects for the hungry,” Anderson said, “and they help us with the Special Olympics.”

The raffle prizes include a $300 self-propelled lawn mower from Sam’s Club, dinner at Texas Steakhouse, home security items from Riverside Hardware and an oil change from Expert Tire, as well as other items that will be added.

The raffle will be held late summer, Anderson said, and anyone wanting a ticket can call him at (434) 799-6511.