Red Robin Hamburger Franchise and Law Enforcement Officers Raise Funds to Benefit Special Olympics

By: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers | 2 Shares 86 Reads

DENVER (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin), Special Olympics and law enforcement officers in cities across the country will unite at Red Robin(R) restaurants on Saturday, April 17 as part of a national effort to raise funds for Special Olympics Programs through in-restaurant Tip-A-Cop(R) events.

Law enforcement officers will trade in their handcuffs and badges for aprons and gourmet burgers at Red Robin restaurants* from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. for the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser. During this time, law enforcement will collect special tips from restaurant guests to benefit their local Special Olympics Program. Tip-A-Cop events will be held at Red Robin restaurants in 35 states across the country in more than 330 restaurant locations. In addition, Red Robin will be collecting donations from restaurant Guests who purchase a paper medal icon in-restaurant from April 5-16.

"We are excited to be able to expand the Tip-A-Cop promotion this year," said Brady Lum, president and COO, Special Olympics, "By including even more Red Robin restaurants across the country in Tip-A-Cop events, we have the opportunity to further our ability to strengthen communities. Working together with Red Robin and our law enforcement officers demonstrates a commitment to supporting a nationwide movement of inclusion and acceptance for those with intellectual disabilities."

Tip-A-Cop is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run(R) (LETR) campaign for Special Olympics. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is presented by more than 85,000 law enforcement officers worldwide 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.

"On behalf of our more than 34,000 Red Robin team members across the country, we are proud to support the communities we serve," said Susan Lintonsmith, chief marketing officer for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. "With the help of our guests and Special Olympics supporters across the nation, we hope to exceed our goal of more than half a million dollars to make a difference in the lives of those who benefit from Special Olympics."

* Participating restaurants only.

Celebrating its 28th Anniversary in 2009, the Law Enforcement Torch Run(R) (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, encompassing a variety of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge(R) events and the World's Largest Truck Convoy(R) fundraiser. More than 85,000 international law enforcement officers have carried the Flame of Hope(TM) to the Opening Ceremonies of local and state/provincial Special Olympics competitions and Games, and Special Olympics World Summer or Winter Games. The LETR is now present in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations around the world. In 2008 the LETR raised more than US$34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world and has raised more than US$272 million since its inception in 1981.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 3.1 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood's backyard. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB)

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., has been serving up wholesome, fun dining experiences in a family-friendly environment for more than 40 years. Red Robin, the "Smiling Burger(R)" expert, is famous for serving more than two dozen high-quality, Honest to Goodness(R) gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with Bottomless Steak Fries(R), as well as salads, soups, appetizers, entrees and signature Bottomless Beverages(TM). There are more than 430 Red Robin(R) restaurants located across the United States and Canada, including corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin... YUMMM(TM)!

SOURCE: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

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