Cops and Cowboys Unite to Raise Funds for Special Olympics

Diners at Texas Roadhouse in Kirkwood Tuesday evening may have been surprised to find police officers serving their food along with the regular servers. Officers of the third and fourth precincts of St. Louis County Police were at the restaurant for the annual Cops and Cowboys fundraiser, collecting donations for Special Olympics Missouri.

"How often do you get to see police officers in a casual atmosphere, chatting and cracking jokes, and get to help a good cause at the same time?" said Officer Mike Schira of the South County precinct.

Officers each paired up with a server and helped bring food out to the tables, keep drinks full and clear tables. They also chatted with diners, asking people to consider leaving a donation to the Special Olympics. There was a table near the entrance where officers sold t-shirts and collected donations.

"The cool thing is all of these shirts are donated, so all of the money goes straight to Special Olympics," Officer Shawn McGuire said while manning the t-shirt table.

There were a few Special Olympics athletes at the event helping out as well. Robbie Gregg, who is a first baseman in softball and also competes in basketball and bowling, has been involved in Special Olympics for 17 years. He said he very much enjoys working with the police at Cops and Cowboys.

"I love it," he said. "It's for Special Olympics and helps keep it going."

Texas Roadhouse's marketing manager Erin Cox said this is the fifth or sixth year they have partnered with St. Louis County Police for the fundraiser. It is one of four yearly events County Police hold to raise money for Special Olympics.

Last year, Cops and Cowboys raised about $3,000. This year, it brought in just over $1,500. Officer Aaron Schafer said the smaller turnout may have been due to the rain, but they still consider it a success and hope to hold the event again in April next year.