NJ Cops Nov18 | Page 67

about the events that they do,” described Local 77 State Delegate Michael Palmentieri. “You just watch their faces light up.” At the end of the meal, officers and athletes bussed the table in a final effort to show some hard work for a well-deserved tip. Even Local 77 members who didn’t sign up to participate in the Tip-A- Cop event still supported the cause by bringing their families and friends to Red Robin for a meal, while leaving a hefty tip that they knew would make a difference. “The members who show up know what they’re there for,” Pal- mentieri said. “The restaurant was packed for almost the entire day.” The long day on their feet in the restaurant business paid off, as Local 77 raised $2,245 for SONJ. The work of Local 77 and Special Olympic athletes made them the highest Tip-A-Cop earners in the state. d www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ NOVEMBER 2017 67