By Charly SHELTON

Anyone passing Montrose Town Kitchen & Grill on Tuesday evening may have been concerned by all the law enforcement activity at the popular local restaurant. But what was taking place was the annual Tip-A-Cop night benefitting the Special Olympics of Santa Clarita/Tri-Valley.

The event kicked-off with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, in which the Special Olympics torch was brought from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station down to Town in the Montrose Shopping Park. Lt. Mark Slater carried the torch accompanied by the Glendale Special Olympics team. They were greeted at Town with throngs of applauding and cheering fans.

The evening continued with officers from the Glendale Police Dept., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. and California Highway Patrol waiting on tables and helping the restaurant staff. The tips allocated to the officers were then donated to the SO-SCTV, along with any other donations or merchandise purchases of Special Olympics branded apparel.

Tuesday’s event was one of 30-40 Tip-A-Cop nights that are held to benefit Special Olympics with the proceeds being dedicated to the athletes and attendees to provide a cost-free experience of athleticism, said Kim Villa, program specialist for the SO-SCTV.

To find out more or to make a donation, visit SOSC.org.

  Charly Shelton