Cops Rock Chili's In Lake Elsinore

UPDATE: During last night's event, $3,102 was raised for Cops for Kids.

The joint was jumping and the cops arrived … but the party kept going any way.

Uniformed deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station along with uniformed Explorers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department swarmed the Wednesday night, but they weren’t making arrests. Instead, members of the force – nearly 30 in all -- showed up to bus and wait tables as part of the bi-annual Tips for Cops benefit.

The event is a primary fundraiser for , the local nonprofit that assists thousands of Lake Elsinore Valley children, seniors and families through donations from business sponsors and individuals in the community.

During Wednesday night’s event, tips garnered by the deputies were donated to Cops for Kids. Chili’s donated 15 percent of a portion of its sales to the cause as well.

In between serving hot plates to hungry patrons and singing “Happy Birthday” to a woman seated at the restaurant’s bar, Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Captain Dave Fontneau was busy clearing tables and seating guests. As party host, he took the role seriously.

Kai Hansen and Presley Boudreau were fond of the party atmosphere. After the captain served them vanilla ice cream, the two 6-year-olds explained why having a police presence was an added benefit to their dining experience.

“Because we feel safer.”

A few tables away, 7-year-old Theresa Townsend offered the same customer feedback.

Chili’s Manager Tracy Gilbert wasn’t complaining either. He said business was rocking, as evidenced by the line of people waiting to get seated.

“We’re about 60 to 70 percent busier than a typical Wednesday night,” he said, explaining that Chili’s Lake Elsinore has hosted Tips for Cops many times.

Tom Thomas, executive director of Cops for Kids, was on hand Wednesday. As a board member of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, he got the word out to the local education community about the event and it paid off. Other school board members, teachers, parents, friends and family turned out for dinner.

Thomas said money raised Wednesday is needed. Cops for Kids has seen a decline in donations as a result of the tough economy, but less funding simply means retooling for now.

“We’ve streamlined,” Thomas said, explaining that instead of this year, needy kids will get wrapped presents delivered to them by deputies in patrol cars.

“Instead of 1,200 kids, about 400 will get toys this year.”

Thomas said some resources have been shifted to programs that serve more urgent needs, like emergency housing and school transportation.

“A lot of families have lost their homes,” he said. “We needed to focus our efforts on things that are most important.”

In addition to serving children within the LEUSD boundaries, Thomas said Cops for Kids also benefits seniors. A senior Christmas luncheon will take place Dec. 14 at Lakeside High School and, as Christmas nears, deputies will be out caroling to seniors who live in less affluent areas of the community.

“It’s really something to watch,” Thomas said of the uniformed carolers. “They’re cops, but some of them get pretty teary eyed.”

For more information about Cops for Kids, visit http://www.copsforkidsinc.org.