Special Olympics get nearly triple what they had hoped for in Tip-A-Hero event.

Customers of the Elephant Bar might have wondered why there was a sheriff’s patrol car parked on the grass, but the mystery was solved once they went through the front doors. A large group of smiling men and women wearing badges and waiter’s aprons welcomed diners and actually helped the regular wait staff with pouring beverages and clearing tables to raise money for charity.

The “Tip A Hero” event for the SCV Special Olympics featured deputies from the Santa Clarita station working tables and hawking items such as T-shirts, commuter mugs and hats with the department’s logo for donations of $25 or more. Hats and cups were gone by 6 p.m., leaving later diners with only T-shirts – but that didn’t stop the donations from flowing in.

According to Laura Mayo, Regional Director for the Special Olympics of the SCV, the deputies raised $4,935 with their enthusiastic sales. Originally, they had hoped to raise $2,000.

“I sold 10 hats for $50 each,” Deputy Artie Thompson said, rather proudly. “When people hear they’re for charity, they just want to give.”

Thompson, who organized the event, had 15 deputies, both active and reserve, helping out. A few of his volunteers got stuck actually working on a search warrant, but those left behind kept smiling and serving.

“This is my 8th year,” Reserve Deputy Bill Kimble said, hefting a load of dirty plates. “My son is handicapped, but that not why I do it. To see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they’re at the Special Olympics is so rewarding. I feel like doing thisrewards me and I’m glad to help.”

 The approximate annual cost of each athlete’s participation is $500. Mayo said there are three more “Tip A Hero”-style events in April; LA County Firefighters will serve at Buca di Beppo on April 10; Pitchess Detention Center deputies will serve at Elephant Bar on April 24 and the CHP will wait on tables at BJ’s Brewhouse on April 29.