Tip a Cop
Law enforcement officers, along with Special Olympics athletes, will volunteer their time as “celebrity waiters,” interacting and serving guests for tips.
100 percent of the tips received will be donated to the organization.
Southern Nevada
Winner Pulled On September 15 @ 10:00pm
Northern Nevada
July, 29, 2026
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
150 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521
FAQ
Do we get to eat for free if we volunteer at a Tip-A-Cop?
No, there is no guarantee that the Tip A Cop location will provide free meals for any of our SONV volunteers. Providing meals is at the restaurant’s discretion. As a volunteer, you are allotted breaks where you can purchase a meal or enjoy the food you bring.
What should we wear?
If you are an athlete leader, please wear your ALP’s polo shirt or blue t-shirt. If you are not an athlete leader, please wear any SONV-branded shirt in good condition.
Please wear only one (1) SONV/USA or World Games medal.
Close-toed, comfortable shoes, you will be walking and standing.
Be sure to remove all airpods and headphones prior to beginning your volunteer shift.
How long do I need to stay?
Each Tip A Cop event is different, and times will vary. Please be sure to stay the entire shift that you signed up to volunteer for and schedule your transportation appropriately.
What will I be doing?
As an athlete volunteer at an SONV Tip A Cop event, you are a representative of Special Olympics and are asked to greet tables and customers. Most likely, you will be paired with a law enforcement officer where you can both greet tables, share all your favorite things about the Special Olympics, and answer any questions. Don’t forget to share that all proceeds from these Tip A Cop events go directly back to supporting SONV’s inclusive programs for people with intellectual disabilities in NV.
Can my parents stay while I volunteer?
If your parent or guardian is a registered Class A volunteer, we would love to have them volunteer with you at a Tip A Cop event. All other parents or guardians are welcome to enjoy the Tip A Cop event as event participants.
Where do I report when I arrive?
Each Tip A Cop location has a “Home Base” where all volunteers can rest, meet, and store their personal items. These “Home Base” locations are generally a small table in the back of the restaurant. When you arrive, if you do not see this area or a law enforcement volunteer, please ask the restaurant host where this “Home Base” is located.
Does SONV or an office provide a ride to or from the restaurant?
No. You are responsible for coordinating all your transportation for these events.
How are athletes selected?
Before any athletes are selected, SONV staff and coaches consider the behavior of the athlete. Athletes must have exhibited excellent behavior in all SONV events and show that they are a good representative of the Special Olympics.
The first group asked to participate in the Tip A Cop event were the Athlete Leaders. SONV may also choose to select athletes who do not have a sports practice of competition during the time of the event.