By George Slaughter
A Katy fire engine was an attraction Friday night at Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant – George Slaughter photo
Katy firefighters are known for their firefighting and emergency medical technician skills. They’re also becoming known for their volunteer skills in charitable fundraising.
Friday night at Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant, 5831 Highway Blvd., firefighters volunteered as waitstaff in the third annual “Tip a Firefighter” event.
For the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. lunch shift, and for the dinner shift 5–8 p.m. dinner shift, Katy firefighters, accompanied by Special Olympics athletes, stopped by tables and visited with guests.
Firefighters delivered chips and salsas when guests were first seated. They also provided refills on drinks, no small deal given the recent summer heat.
The restaurant waitstaff took orders and delivered the entrees as usual.
Donations have gone up each year the fundraising efforts have taken place. Fire Chief Russell Wilson said Friday’s efforts raised $6,860. He said firefighters raised $6,710 in 2017 and $6,017 in 2016.
“Katy is a very generous community,” Wilson said.
The “Tip a Firefighter” event is part of a grassroots fundraising movement called the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Texas. The effort began in 1985.
Katy has several Special Olympics teams, including the Katy Blue Angels, Katy Comets, Katy Wolf Pack, and Katy Developmental Clinic. Wolf Pack team members were at Friday’s event.
The Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Eunice Kennedy Shriver created the Special Olympics to provide sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Summer sports include basketball, cycling, equestrian events, gymnastics, kayaking, soccer, and tennis.
Fall sports include aquatics, bocce, flag football, golf, sailing, softball, and triathlon.
Winter sports include bowling, figure skating, powerlifting, roller and speed skating, table tennis, and volleyball.
Katy is in region 4 for Special Olympics Texas. For more information, including volunteer opportunities and event information, visit sotx.org.