The Manhattan Beach Police Department shattered fundraising records last week during a Tip a Cop event hosted at the Tin Roof Bistro to benefit the Special Olympics.
The event, which features police helping restaurant wait staff in exchange for charitable tips, raised more than $29,000 in one night, according to Manhattan Beach Police chief Eve Irvine. With that amount, the Manhattan Beach Tip a Cop event is now considered the most successful fundraiser in Southern California Tip a Cop history, organizers said.
"The event exceeded our expectations," Irvine said in an email. "It was incredibly rewarding for everyone who participated."
According to Manhattan Beach city manager David Carmany, the $29,000 raised last week far exceeded the typical $3,000 to $5,000 normally raised at Tip a Cop fundraisers. The final tally received a huge boost from one Manhattan Beach resident who wrote a single check for $20,000, Carmany said.
The funds raised at the event will directly benefit Special Olympic athletes in Southern California and the South Bay. Irvine said that the father of one athlete, who was present at the Manhattan Beach event, was especially thankful for the police department's efforts.
"There were tears in his eyes when he said that not only his son, but all the athletes, will truly benefit from our efforts," said Irvine.
