Area law officers will be among more than 100 law enforcement personnel around the state asking for tips this week, but it has nothing to do with crime and everything to do with serving the public.

On Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-9:00 p.m., officers will be hosting guests in Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bars across the state to raise awareness and tip money for Special Olympics. This is the 13th annual event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, which consists of volunteers from all agencies of law enforcement.

“There is a lot of excitement for this year’s event,” said Ward County Sheriff Bob Roed in a news release. “We have officers, deputies and other personnel from area agencies ready to pitch in. We’ll be greeting, hosting, seating and visiting with the customers at Applebee’s, with help of area athletes. We hope to earn even bigger tips this year, so we can really make a nice contribution to Special Olympics. We’ve all taken an oath to serve and protect our communities, and the Applebee’s Tip-a-Cop for Special Olympics is another great way for us to do that.”

Applebee’s restaurants in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, West Fargo and Williston are participating.

“We strive to be a good neighbor in all of our communities and with the support of area law enforcement, we can provide a wonderful fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota,” said Dusty Jensen, Apple Core COO, the management corporation for all Applebee’s locations in North Dakota, in the news release.

Kathleen Meagher, president/CEO of Special Olympics North Dakota, welcomed the help of law enforcement.

“The law enforcement volunteers through their involvement embrace the idea of inclusion of all people, including those with an intellectual disability, which is exactly what the movement is all about. It also offers us a great opportunity to spread this awareness with the general public to show that people with intellectual disabilities are contributing members of society,” she said in the release.