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Crime & Safety

Justice is Served — with a Side of Fries

Newark police help make Special Olympics fundraiser a success during Saturday's "Tip-A-Cop" event at Red Robin.

Saturday, members of the were dedicated to protect and serve — serve food, that is, as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

Several NPD officers volunteeers at in NewPark Mall for the annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser – a statewide program that allows law enforcement agencies to partner with restaurants in order to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics.

After the nine-hour Tip-A-Cop event, the officers and the athletes were able to raise $4351.85. 

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Officer Nick Mavrakis was ecstatic with the outcome of Saturday’s fundraiser.

"I truly believe in this cause and in an economy as tough as the one we are in right now, it warms my heart and restores my faith to see such generosity," Mavrakis said in an e-mail.

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A few Special Olympics athletes from Newark worked alongside the officers, also refilling drinks and performing other waitstaff duties. 

James Lewis, a manager at Red Robin, has worked during the Tip-A-Cop fundraisers for the past three years.

“The weather hasn’t been as good as past years,” he said partway through the event. But despite Saturday’s rain, community response was good, he added.

Lewis said customers seemed to like the event — even if one group insisted that if the cops want tips, they need to start serving food instead of letting the Red Robin waitstaff do the tough jobs. One customer donated $500 to the Special Olympics on the spot.

Police Chief Jim Leal said the event is a chance for people to meet and talk with officers, as well as donate to a good cause. Kids received stickers and got a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a patrol car and turn on the flashing lights.

“Any time we can interact with kids like this is nice,” said Leal.

Tony Doot, a Newark resident, and his family have supported Tip-A-Cop in the past.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “Usually when I see a cop, I’m getting pulled over.”

The Haley family of Newark, first-time supporters of the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, had positive words to share.

“It’s a good way to raise money,” said Todd Haley, a physical education teacher at Newark Junior High School.

“We support Special Olympics,” said Yvette Haley, a math teacher at the same school. “Because our own officers are in it, it made a difference.”

Caleigh Haley summed up the event for her family in two simple words:  “It’s cool.”

Past Tip-A-Cop fundraisers were held at two locations – one at lunchtime, the other at dinner. The closure of Chevy’s restaurant last year meant only Red Robin was available this time around.

According to police Officer Mavrakis, one of the fundraiser's organizaers, not many Newark restaurants are large enough for the event.

Mavrakis and his partner, Officer Jeff Saunders, have been in charge of Tip-A-Cop for almost a decade.

"It's a cause that's truly unique," said Mavrakis.

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