Cops, Red Lobster team up for Special Olympics
7/19/2008 12:22 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend



By KAREN DAILY

Staff writer

For several years now, local Special Olympian Megan Jones has won gold, silver and bronze medals by bowling and competing as an equestrian athlete in the games.

Although she admits to having only a slightly competitive spirit, she has had many medals draped around her neck and been a part of several ceremonies.

On Friday, Jones and a handful of other athletes joined local law enforcement officers raise money for the Special Olympics by waiting on customers dining at Aiken's Red Lobster Restaurant on Whiskey Road as part of the annual Cops and Lobsters event.

Aiken Public Safety's Kim Corley, the victim's advocate for the department, said she has fond memories of volunteering with her mother at the local games.

Since then, Corley has joined law enforcement with many of its fundraisers.

She competed in a charity torch run earlier this year then grabbed an apron on Friday.

She, like Aiken County Sheriff's Office deputy Selwyn DeLoach, routinely volunteer to help raise money for the athletes. DeLoach has also volunteered at the games for several years.

"It's a good way to give back," he said, while filling empty glasses.

Coincidentally, DeLoach ran into one of his former supervisors at the Southside restaurant.

Capt. Gerald Taylor of Aiken Public Safety and his wife Judy had stopped in for gumbo and caught up with the young deputy.

Judy Taylor said she and Gerald were glad they happened onto the event.

"It's such a wonderful idea," she said. "We have donated in years past and will gladly do so again."

Many of the customers have jotted the event down on their calendars to return each year, but some stopped in by happenstance and gladly opened their wallets.

Sgt. Steve Deibel held an envelope stuffed with donations.

"It's been a steady crowd here today," the sergeant said. "This community is always so willing to give to the Special Olympics and we are very glad to help do our part."

The games were established in the early 1960s, having first started as a day camp.

Donations can be made to the Special Olympics of South Carolina, 810 Dutch Square Boulevard, Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29210.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.

<Caption>Karen Daily- both pictures are very dark- you may not be able to use them.

either pic: Volunteers with local law enforcement agencies team up waiting tables at Aiken's Red Lobster Restaurant in the name of the Special Olympics, helping to raise money for the games.</Caption>

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