Hoover PD gives back through Tip a Cop event

Hoover Police stopped by California Pizza Kitchen to help raise money for the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.

Officer Brian Hale said helping with LETR is a great opportunity to give back to the community and bring awareness to the Special Olympics.

“How could we not back it and be for it?” Hale said.

Officer Steve Young, Sgt. Nina Monosky, Executive Officer Jehad Al-Dakka and Hale helped wait tables at the California Pizza Kitchen by Riverchase Galleria for donations to LETR. Officers from other departments, including Birmingham PD, Homewood PD and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office also participated in the event.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Debbie Sumrall said California Pizza Kitchen 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 partnership.

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 inform visitors about the Special Olympics.