Behind the Badge
Gina Hardy spent the day at Disneyland with her kids and other relatives.
The blast they had during the day unexpectedly continued during dinner at the Red Robin on Harbor Boulevard at Chapman Avenue in Garden Grove.
That’s because on Thursday, Oct. 22, Hardy — visiting from Utah — happened upon the Garden Grove PD’s annual “Tip a Cop” fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
“We just showed up to have dinner and were pleasantly surprised,” said Hardy, of Heber City, Utah. “We had a great conversation with the police chief.
“He (Todd Elgin) was so friendly and made us feel very welcome. It was really fun to come and support the Special Olympics athletes and meet some of them. It was just a fun night.
“We had as much fun here as we did at Disneyland.”
Garden Grove PD Officers Jason Fulton, left, and Robert Kivler open the doors for customers entering the Red Robin restaurant in Garden Grove during the “Tip a Cop” fundraiser to help support the Special Olympics. The GGPD raised more than $2,500 for the organization.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
One-hundred percent of the tips patrons gave to officers, who helped take orders and deliver food, went to the Special Olympics.
By the end of the evening, the GGPD raised $2,526 for the Special Olympics, said Lt. Robert Bogue, the GGPD’s public information officer.
“My boys loved it,” Hardy said. “It was fun to see the cops and support them. It was a fun experience to have these cops around — just a great atmosphere.”
Shannon Dieriex started competing in the Special Olympics as a swimmer and gymnast when she was 8.
Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin with Dax Duesler, 3, of Garden Grove, left, and his brother, 9-month old Clifford Duesler, during the “Tip a Cop” fundraiser.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Dieriex, now 30 and a resident of Anaheim, was on hand at the Red Robin to greet diners and mingle with the cops.
“I’m a global messenger with the Special Olympics,” Dieriex proudly said. “This event is exciting, doing the ‘Tip a Cop.’ They treat me excellently.
“I like the police officers, and am so glad to be here.”
Jack Duesler, of Garden Grove, was encouraged by his mother-in-law to attend the event. He and his two sons, 3 years and 9 months, joined five other relatives.
“It’s very fun,” Duesler said. “I like the fact that the police officers are actually involved in the operation of the serving the food and taking orders.
“That’s always fun,” Duesler added. “I like seeing professionals out of their element. Next year, I’d like to see one of the officers cooking.”
Steven Georges contributed to this story.
Garden Grove PD Officer Jason Johnson serves drinks to Amor Moguel of Garden Grove, left, and her son Sean, 17, who attends Garden Grove High School.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin shakes hands with Aaron Hardy of Heber City, Utah and his 8-year-old son Luke, next to him, as the chief visits tables at Red Robin in Garden Grove during the “Tip a Cop” fundraiser for the Special Olympics on Oct. 22.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Garden Grove PD Lt. Thomas DaRé smiles with Special Olympics athlete Shannon Dieriex.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Garden Grove PD Capt. Ben Stauffer talks to Reid Sturgeon, left, and his brother Nathan of the province of Saskatchewan in Canada.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo courtesy of GGPD
