Area law enforcement serves customers for a good cause
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: September 21, 2012
You typically see them out patrolling the streets.
But on Thursday night, there was an opportunity to see law enforcement agencies around Central New York in a different light.
Agencies from around the area took over Applebee's for the night, all for a good cause.
And at the North Utica restaurant, it was the Utica Police who were put to work.
"It benefits Special Olympics and as Utica Police Officers here, we're serving along with servers from Applebee's and trying to get the word out about Special Olympics," said Sgt. Steve Hauck.
While they mastered food and drink orders, the officers collected donations throughout the night to benefit Special Olympics.
The money raised goes to help athletes like Lauren Marraffa.
"To see her compete, she's pure joy, she has a lot of fun," said Lauren's mother, Barbara Marraffa.
But Lauren wouldn't have been able to earn her medals and compete on the ice if it weren't for events like "Law and Orders."
"The fundraising is so important. We really need to fund raise so our kids can interact with their peers. This is their fun. This is what they have, besides school," said Barbara.
Throughout the night, Lauren helped UPD with collecting money and talking with customers about Special Olympics.
"It's great. She's got two medals she was telling us about, just seeing her excitement it's definitely worth it," said Utica resident, Patricia Scalise.
But on Thursday night, there was an opportunity to see law enforcement agencies around Central New York in a different light.
Agencies from around the area took over Applebee's for the night, all for a good cause.
And at the North Utica restaurant, it was the Utica Police who were put to work.
"It benefits Special Olympics and as Utica Police Officers here, we're serving along with servers from Applebee's and trying to get the word out about Special Olympics," said Sgt. Steve Hauck.
While they mastered food and drink orders, the officers collected donations throughout the night to benefit Special Olympics.
The money raised goes to help athletes like Lauren Marraffa.
"To see her compete, she's pure joy, she has a lot of fun," said Lauren's mother, Barbara Marraffa.
But Lauren wouldn't have been able to earn her medals and compete on the ice if it weren't for events like "Law and Orders."
"The fundraising is so important. We really need to fund raise so our kids can interact with their peers. This is their fun. This is what they have, besides school," said Barbara.
Throughout the night, Lauren helped UPD with collecting money and talking with customers about Special Olympics.
"It's great. She's got two medals she was telling us about, just seeing her excitement it's definitely worth it," said Utica resident, Patricia Scalise.
