CLEARLAKE ? Good food, good fun and good service united for a good cause Friday when $2,446 was raised for Special Olympics Lake County during the annual “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser. Sam Polo, owner of Main Street Bar & Grill welcomed law enforcement officers from around the county to his restaurant in Clearlake where cops bussed tables, probation officers fetched booster seats and Deputy District Attorney Trang Vo offered service with a smile.
“This place has just been outstanding supporting this event. They are all working hard and giving up their tips,” Steve Bucholz, Special Olympics volunteer said. “Sam Polo and his staff are just unbelievable.”
Law enforcement officials from Clearlake Police Department, California Highway Patrol Clear Lake area, Lake County Sheriff”s Department, Lake County Probation Department and Lake County District Attorney”s Office contributed to the success of the event. A similar event was also held recently in the north end of the lake, which provided a chance for Lakeport Police to participate.
Bucholz said that he was fascinated by the familiarity area law enforcers and Main Street staff have with the community and was quite impressed with the support the event enjoyed. “Despite the economic situation this community has just come together and made it happen,” he said. “Special Olympics in Lake County would not exist without contributions and the support of events like this.”
Cori Van Eck sure appreciates the opportunities Special Olympics has given him. He”s a multi gold medal winner and said he plans to win more. “I do power lifting and next year will be six years,” he said. “I do bowling and play basketball, too. I”m the best basketball player in the whole world.”
Janie Steptoe, field coordinator for North Coast Supportability in Lakeport, said that events like Tip-A-Cop do more than just raise money. “This gives our clients an opportunity to be in the community and interact with the public,” she said. “It gives the community a chance to be more accepting to special needs and it helps our clients build their confidence.”
Clearlake Police Detective Mike Ray, whose enthusiasm and energy appeared be unwavering as he catered to the needs of a room full of diners, said he was having a whole lot of fun. “It”s for a good cause and it”s a lot of fun,” Ray said. “And it”s nice to let people see us without our uniforms on.”
As Bucholz mentioned, Lake County Special Olympics depends on the support of the community in order to continue to provide opportunities to athletes with special needs.
The organization is currently fundraising in order to continue programs in bowling, track and field, basketball and power lifting. To make a donation directly to the organization or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please call Special Olympics Lake County program at 262-1269.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
