BENTONVILLE — Law enforcement from around Benton County will put away their badges for a few hours tonight to support Special Olympics Arkansas while serving as waiters at Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers in Rogers.
Tip-A-Cop will bring in officers from the Bentonville Police Department, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Arkansas State Police and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. They will serve as wait staff at Mellow Mushroom from 5 to 9 p.m. with all of their tips going to the Special Olympics.
Detective Mark Jordan with the Bentonville Police Department said some of officers may be in uniform, while others may wear department polo-style shirts.
The event is a good way to raise money while showing officers in a different light, said Donna Kilmer, field representative for the Special Olympics.
“They have caring hearts and raise a lot of money for Special Olympics throughout the year,” Kilmer said.
This is the third year for Tip-A-Cop at Mellow Mushroom. Kilmer said the events have become very popular over the past 10 years.
“People really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s a unique experience. The officer comes to your table and serves you. And the kids love being able to get that close to a police officer.”
Special Olympics Arkansas provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, according to a news release. The training gives them the chance to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and participate in sharing skills with their families and other athletes in the community.
The restaurant is at 5204 Village Parkway.