When you’re greeted at a Chili’s restaurant, you typically don’t expect your server to be wearing a police uniform.
But for one day at the Chili’s on Twenty Mile Road in Parker, smiles were exchanged, fist bumps were given and stories were shared as officers with the Parker Police Department traded in their badges for aprons for a good cause.
“When an officer is walking up to your car, it might be a different situation,” said Jan Gordon, Special Olympics Colorado’s chief development officer. “But when they’re walking up to your table (in a restaurant), it’s really a way for them to get to know their community and for the community to get to know them.”
The Parker police, including cadets from its Explorers program, were among numerous law enforcement agencies across the state participating in the annual Tip-A-Cop event, a nationwide fundraiser for Special Olympics.
Whether it was pouring drinks, serving food, washing dishes or talking with customers, the officers served alongside athletes to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics, which is a nonprofit organization, has become the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Its goal is to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities and provide opportunities for physical fitness and courage.
Special Olympics aims to offer year-round sports training and athletic competition in various sports. The organization also provides opportunities for individuals to demonstrate courage and improve their health.
The organization boasts millions of athletes across the world, and there are nearly 28,000 athletes, 1,000 coaches and 9,000 volunteers a part of Special Olympics Colorado.
Gordon has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado for 14 years and every year is amazed by the hope that the fundraising events bring. She added that her favorite part about Tip-A-Cop is watching the officers work with the athletes.
“There’s a real magic between our law enforcement and our athletes,” said Gordon. “I’ve never seen anything like it … it really brings them so much joy.”
Officer Miachel Iranfar has been with the Parker Police Department for three years and this was his second time serving alongside the athletes.
“I think the community’s interaction with the department, doing stuff like this is awesome and a good time,” Iranfar said .
He said he loves to volunteer for this event because it not only helps the department, but it helps the athletes reach their goals. While Iranfar helped staff in the kitchen and brought food to customers, he also got to spend time sitting and talking with the athletes.
“Being able to help out in something that they cherish, love to do, and do on a daily basis and work so hard for, I think being able to support them is the best thing,” Iranfar said.
At events, such as Tip-A-Cop, funds raised go toward supporting training, competition, health screenings and continuing to build a community for athletes. Gordon said that Colorado raises about $1.5 million annually.
Being a part of a fundraising effort like this was something John Kontrelos was happy to do.
Kontrelos has been a manager at the Chili’s on Twenty Mile Road for four years, and over the years, has loved getting to know the officers and athletes – and watching them roam around, bus tables, and talk and smile with the customers.
“Being a small community, it just helps us connect,” said Kontrelos. “It’s wonderful to have them here.”