Billings law enforcement officials this week raked in some serious cash while working for tips at Mackenzie River Pizza -- all to benefit Special Olympics Montana. It marked the first since its inception in Montana in 2011 that the the popular “Tip-A-Cop” event was held in Billings.

Local law enforcement agencies raised $2,600.

"The staff, athletes and law enforcement officers had a fantastic time," said Officer Chris Evans of the Billings office of the Montana Probation and Parole Division. "The guests were generous with tips and their time, interacting with the athletes and law enforcement throughout the day. We are already looking forward to next year, making it bigger and better."

Evans praised Mackenzie River Pizza for its "phenomenal" support in helping pull off the event.

This annual fundraising event involves local law enforcement officers volunteering their time as “celebrity servers” in an effort to earn “tips” for Special Olympics Montana athletes. These special tips are in addition to the normal tip patrons leave their server.

All proceeds derived from these tips are distributed directly to local and state-wide Special Olympic Montana athletes, according to Evans.

Nick Heinzman, one of the athletes and pictured on the far right, worked from open to near close, Evans said.

"A lot of his time was spent working with the awesome kitchen crew preparing food and prepping. Nick's smile was just as you see it in the picture the entire day."

All money raised through the “Tip-A-Cop” event stays in Montana with 60 percent of the proceeds staying in the local area to help cover costs associated with competition and training, Evans said. The remaining 40 percent helps cover the costs at the statewide level.

More than $33,000 has been raised through the “Tip-A-Cop” events at Mackenzie River Pizza since the program started in Montana four years ago.

Billings Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser
Photo courtesy of Nina Stefani with Mackenzie River Pizza
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This was Evans’ first year coordinating the event along with Mackenzie River Pizza and finds it a natural fit.

He has participated in the Torch Run Relay and Circle of Honor at the opening ceremonies in the past, he said. That sealed his interest in this program.

"Getting to interact with the athletes and volunteers is such a fun and rewarding experience," he said.

The first “Tip-A-Cop” event with Mackenzie River Pizza was held in 2011 at the Whitefish location.  In 2012, the event expanded into the Kalispell locations. Bozeman, Belgrade and Helena held their first “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser in 2013, with Great Falls and Butte joining the effort in 2014.  This year, there will be 12 locations across Montana hosting a “Tip-A-Cop” event at Mackenzie River Pizza. In addition to Billings, Missoula is also for the first time hosting a “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser.

Tip-A-Cop is an official Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) fundraising event. In 2014, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® raised more than $550,000 for Special Olympics Montana.  This amount is generated through events like “Tip-A-Cop,” the Polar Plunge and the Torch Run Relay, where officers carry the Flame of Hope to the Special Olympics State Summer Games.

 

 

 

 

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