Police to earn tips at Culver’s for Special Olympics

SYCAMORE – The saying goes that you should always tip your waitstaff, and that mentality could help benefit Special Olympics Illinois at a local chain restaurant at the end of the month.

Sycamore police will provide table service 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 for patrons dining inside the Sycamore Culver’s, 1200 DeKalb Ave., as part of the fourth annual “ButterBurgers & Badges” event.

The event also will include police delivering the chain’s burgers and frozen custard desserts at the drive-thru. Tips that law enforcement earns during the event and $1 from every Concrete Mixer sale will benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Sycamore Police Det. Stacy Binkowski, who also is the school resource officer for Sycamore Middle School, said she has been participating in the event for most years since it started in the Sycamore Culver’s.

She said local Special Olympics athletes also participate in the event and bring food to customers alongside law enforcement.

“It’s a nice time for us to get to work together on something,” Binkowski said. “And it’s fun.”

“ButterBurgers & Badges” is part of a monthlong initiative by Culver’s, which includes participating stores displaying “Change for Champions” donation canisters near counter areas. More than 30 Culver’s locations in the Chicago area are participating in the event.

Binkowski said 14-year-old Special Olympian Austin Raymond of Sycamore, who is an eighth-grader at Sycamore Middle School this year, also will be at the Sycamore event. She said she’s known him since he’s attended the school and that he’s a great and helpful person with a contagious smile.

“Austin is just a very sweet kid,” Binkowski said.

Binkowski said officers typically help raise between $400 and $500 for Special Olympics Illinois the night of the annual event. She said it’s wonderful to see firsthand how a fundraiser like this benefits kids like Austin.

“We have a lot of officers that participate in it, and they’re happy to do it,” Binkowski said.

For information about the Sycamore Culver's event, call 815-899-0200 or visit www.soill.org/event/butterburgers-and-badges.