Pasadena Police Department Officers Serve Patrons at Urth Cafe, Donate Tips to Pasadena Special Olympics

Many Pasadena police officers were cheery hosts at Urth Café on Colorado Ave. Thursday afternoon to participate in the “Tip-A-Cop” event that donates one hundred percent of patron donations to the Pasadena Area Special Olympics. The men and women of our city’s law enforcement took a well deserved break from stopping crime to make sure restaurant goers had a tip top culinary experience—all for a good cause.

“Our special olympic athletes do so much. They really are committed to self achievement. Their passion, heart and their really great attitude deserves support. We’re really glad we can support this event,” said PPD Lt. Tracey Ibarra.

Police officers were in uniform and greeted greeted guests as they flooded in for the afternoon lunch hours. Restaurant goers that donated $10 or more went home with a custom T-shirt and donations of lesser value bought a fun, light-up police car decorative pin.

This type of fundraising effort between the PPD and the Pasadena Special Olympics occurs twice a year, according to Lt. Tracey Ibarra.

“We are so excited that to see all of this support in person. An event like this one really helps out our program,” said Special Olympics Pasadena Area Director Tina Corona.

Pasadena offers year-round sports programs and competitions for athletes in Altadena, La Canada-Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

The programs provide people with intellectual disabilities with physical fitness and athletic competition in addition to social interaction and community involvement, according to the Special Olympics Southern California website.

There are currently around 200 Pasadena area athletes involved in five sports that include golf, basket ball, soccer, aquatics and bowling.

“That’s quite a few athletes that we provide for. We provide equipment, practice uniforms, game uniforms and competitions. We’re hoping to raise around two thousand dollars for our athletes today,” said Special Olympics Pasadena Area Director Tina Corona.

Urth Cafe even donated an extra $1,500.

“We are sure we will meet our goal without a problem,” said Corona.

Pasadena Special Olympian Jenna Ramirez was excited to be in the presence of the PPD.

“I like being in the special olympics because I love being with all of my team mates and being with the police officers today,” said Ramirez.

“Tip-A-Cop” was an especially important event for Officer Jesus Carillo.

“This hits close to home. My sister has a learning diversity and being able to give back to something that I can relate to is something that I am very passionate about. Giving back is a reason why I became a Police Officer as well. Giving back to a good cause is rewarding,” said Pasadena Police Officer Jesus Carillo

Special guests that showed up for support included the Pasadena Fire Department, Pasadena District Attorney’s Office and more.

For more information and to donate to the Special Olympics, visit https://www.sosc.org/old/sslpage.aspx?pid=359