Deputies wait tables and raise money

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped by California Pizza Kitchen in August to help raise money for the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.

Deputy Debbie Sumrall said California Pizza Kitchen, located at the Riverchase Galleria, approached them about hosting a Tip a Cop event, where officers wait tables and collect donations for LETR.

It was the first time the Torch Run worked with California Pizza Kitchen, and Sumrall said she is excited for the potential.

California Pizza Kitchen general manager Daniel Meek said the restaurant works to get involved in the community through these events.

“I think when we do a lot of these events, it really shows that the community comes first,” Meek said.

The Torch Run takes place in 35 nations and all 50 states in the U.S., helping more than 14,000 Alabama athletes participate at the local, state, national and international level. The goal of LETR is to bring awareness and support to the Special Olympics.

“We’re called the Torch Run because we started carrying the ‘Flame of Hope’ to the games,” Sumrall said.

Several athletes also attended the event, helping tell people about the Special Olympics.

Officers from several police departments, including Birmingham PD, Hoover PD and Homewood PD, also participated in the event. All donations, as well as money made through T-shirt sales outside the restaurant, went to benefit LETR.