Colorado's Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics will team with Applebee's® Restaurants Saturday, Sept. 19 for a statewide Tip-A-Cop® fundraiser. On this day from noon to 8 p.m., local law enforcement officers will voluntarily trade in their handcuffs and badges while collecting tips from restaurant guests to benefit Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO). This marks the first time Applebee's has partnered with LETR for this fundraising event in the state of Colorado.

Tip-A-Cop is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run annual campaign. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is comprised of more than 85,000 law enforcement officers worldwide with a collective goal to help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated.

"We are excited that Applebee's has agreed to be part of this fundraiser," said Mindy Watrous, President and CEO of Special Olympics Colorado. "Collective efforts like this make it possible for us to continue to provide high-quality sports training programs and competitions along with other programming to all Special Olympics athletes across the state. On behalf of our entire organization, we thank local law enforcement and Applebee's for their incredible support."

"Supporting the neighborhood is at the core of our business, and we're delighted to give back to our community through the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser," said Jennifer Demps, Regional Marketing Manager for Applebee's. "This event also provides our team the opportunity to showcase our commitment to hospitable service and great food at an excellent value."

Twenty-seven Applebee's restaurants in Colorado (excluding Durango) will participate in the Tip-A-Cop. There are 16 Applebee's locations in the greater Denver Metro Area; six in Colorado Springs, Fountain and Pueblo; plus one each in Boulder, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley and Longmont.

About Applebee's
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar is the largest casual dining concept in the world, with more than 1900 locations nationwide. The Colorado Applebee's are owned and operated by AmRest. AmRest currently operates more than 100 Applebee's in eight states, including 28 locations in Colorado. AmRest embraces the Applebee's neighborhood philosophy through active participation in and support of the local communities served by each Applebee's restaurant. For more information about Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, please visit www.applebees.com.

About The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. In 2008 this international program raised $34 million. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, Colorado's LETR raises money (over $250,000 annually) and awareness to support the 10,000 Special Olympics Colorado athletes. Nearly 150 agencies and 1,000 law enforcement volunteers around the state work throughout the year to accomplish this goal through a variety of functions -- from the actual Torch Run to events like Tip-a-Cop, Cops on Doughnut Shops, FirstBank Golf Tournament, Polar Plunge and many more.

About Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO)
Special Olympics Colorado is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1969. For 40 years, Special Olympics Colorado has provided year-round training while sponsoring over 80 competitions at the area and state levels in 20 sports for over 10,000 athletes. With a base of more than 6,000 volunteers, SOCO is able to support athletes of all ages and abilities, allowing them to build athletic, learning and social skills. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsco.org.