The Conroe Police Department joined other law enforcement agencies Thursday in raising money for Special Olympics Texas by waiting tables at Texas Roadhouse with some of the athletes. The restaurant chain annually welcomes police and Special Olympics athletes serve drinks and bread for tips at locations throughout the Lone Star State. Conroe Police and their athlete counterparts raised around $4,000 in tips / donations Thursday evening. The money will help fund competition, training, and programming for over 1,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the “Heart of East Texas” region and more than 58,300 statewide.
The Tip A Cop for Special Olympics event, a Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraiser, pairs officers and athletes who work together and often form lasting friendship. CPD Lieutenant Jon Buckholtz worked with a young man named Nathan Thursday night. It was their third consecutive year as a serving / fundraising team and the bond between them was obvious.
“I love him! He’s such a sweet young man,” Lt. Buckholtz said. “He does bowling, tennis, shotput, swimming and a few other sports.”
It was a bittersweet evening, since Nathan is moving and Buckholtz will have to break in a new partner next year.
In east Montgomery County, members of the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office and the Montgomery County Pct. 4 Citizens’ Constable Academy Alumni Association joined Special Olympians from the Greater Houston Area SOTX at the Texas Roadhouse on US 59 in Kingwood. Alumni Association Secretary Jodi Ruonavar said the event on the east side of the county had a wonderful turnout. In fact, their tips and donations totaled $3,399, setting a new record for the Tip A Cop event at that location.
To learn more about Special Olympics Texas, visit www.sotx.org
(Thanks to CPD Lt. Jon Buckholtz and to Jodi Ruonavar for their assistance with this article)
Conroe PD Lt. Jon Buckholtz and Special Olympics multi-sport athlete Nathan
Conroe PD, TDCJ Officers, Special Olympians, and representatives of Texas Roadhouse on I-45 in Conroe
Kevin, who is a gold medal winning bowler, was among those participating in the Tip A Cop event Thursday in Kingwood
Drawing of the ticket for the 50/50 pot
Jennifer Hayden, Pct. 4 Constable Rowdy Hayden and Jodi Ruonavar
Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 Citizens’ Constable Academy Alumni Association, Special Olympians, and representatives of Texas Roadhouse on US 59 in Kingwood
