Steven Kukowski, Minot
For a number of years, I have been fortunate enough to work with the Tip A Cop program, in conjunction with the Special Olympics.
First of all, I would like to thank Applebee's Restaurants statewide for hosting us at their businesses and assisting with the program. The Minot Applebee's location was the most successful this year and raised the largest to help support the 1,400 children and adults with disabilities in North Dakota.
Also, the citizens of Minot and the surrounding areas must be commended. They have suffered with the flood and rising housing costs but still managed to dig deep into their pockets and make Minot number one.
I would like to thank the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Minot Police Department, the Minot Air Force Base 5th Security Forces and the Ward County Sheriff's Department for the participation and giving of their time for such a worthy cause.
In the moments of the Special Olympics, the athlete is changed from a person with diminished capabilities to a champion. In these moments, everyone else is changes as well. A sincere "Thank you" to all who made this happen.