By nida khan
Staff Writer
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Patrol officers Chris Johnson and Melissa Michalak hand out their police baseball cards to local children at Applebee’s in Milltown during a fund-raising event to benefit the Special Olympics last Thursday.
MILLTOWN — Local police were out serving the people — food and drinks, that is.
Borough cops spent the evening last Thursday working at Applebee’s restaurant on Ryders Lane to raise money for the Special Olympics. During the "Tip a Cop" event, 13 of the 15 borough officers took orders, grabbed trays, served meals and chatted with customers.
"It’s a great cause," said Officer Chris Johnson. "No one can deny it. The officers go to tables, and if people want to donate, they do. One hundred percent of the money goes to the Special Olympics."
A sports training and athletic competition, the Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental retardation.
The cards of Milltown sergeants Eric Rahn and Clifford A. Kumpf Jr.
According to Jessica Licata, a representative of the Special Olympics and hostess for the evening at Applebee’s, the participants engage in activities ranging in everything from table tennis to basketball and softball.
"It’s a really great organization," said Licata. "There’s summer camps and games, and everyone enjoys themselves."
Licata, who also visits schools and businesses to seek participation in the organization, discussed how police officers from around the state also conduct torch runs for the Special Olympics.
"Since 1996 we’ve been involved in the torch run," said Police Chief Raymond Geipel. "This year we wanted to raise more money for the Special Olympics, and officer Johnson and I approached Applebee’s with the idea."
Johnson, who was a dispatcher for the East Brunswick Police Department prior to joining Mill-town, said East Brunswick held similar "Tip a Cop" events where the department raised about $1,700.
"I hope tonight we raise $1,500," he said. "But I’d rather someone donate because they want to, and not because they feel obligated."
Throughout the evening, patrol officers, sergeants and Geipel all served and took orders as they ran from the kitchen to respective tables and back again. Collection jars were placed at the center of the restaurant, as well as at the entrance. The police force was dressed in T-shirts advertising the event, and the officers even sang to diners who were celebrating a birthday.
Dominic Volato, Applebee’s general manager, said he was enthused when the Milltown police approached him with the idea.
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Patrolman Christopher Witt visits a table at Applebee’s Thursday evening.
"We like participating in charitable events," said Volato. "And this is definitely a worthy cause. Our owner is very much into charitable events, and so we try and do something every three months."
Volato said he began working at the Milltown Applebee’s only about eight weeks ago, and viewed the evening as a great "icebreaker" to meet the local officials and community. He said his regular waiters and waitresses will also contribute to the fund, and that Applebee’s would match that amount.
"I was a little skeptical at first," said Anthony Harris, a server who’s been with the Ryder’s Lane Applebee’s for a year. "You know, tips are a big thing, but now that they’re [officers] here, it’s not bad. People are enjoying themselves, and these guys are nice. It’s actually less work for me."
The torch run was held last Friday, and Milltown officers began in front of the Rescue Squad building, ran to Route 18 and joined with East Brunswick police, proceeded down Route 18, and eventually teamed up with Spotswood and Jamesburg officers to complete a countywide run.
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Applebee’s employee Jarra Flanagan shows Milltown Police Officer Dan Cononie how to use the computer during Thursday’s “Tip a Cop” event to benefit the Special Olympics.
According to Geipel, New Jersey law enforcement raised the most money in the country last year for the Special Olympics.
In preparation for the "Tip A Cop" event, Johnson said he contacted major network stations such as NBC and ABC in New York in an effort to gain publicity and attract more individuals to participate. He said Applebee’s worked with him to create fliers and advertise the event around town.
"The object is not to take away from the tips of the servers," said Geipel. "That’s why we leave the jar out there for anyone who recognizes the worthy cause at hand."
"All of the officers put a lot of effort into everything," said Licata. "The athletes truly appreciate it, and it’s just a worthwhile experience for everyone."
Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics were held Friday at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. Special Olympics New Jersey conducts over 140 area sectional and chapter events in 23 sports. Over 13,500 individuals participate during four sports seasons.


