Robbers take back seat to lobsters
The customers at Red Lobster on Washington Road in Augusta were very patient with their waiters and waitresses during lunch Thursday.
Perhaps it was because some of the wait staff were packing pistols.
Columbia County deputy Leslie Himebaugh gives Eric Crayton an ice tea refill while waiting on tables at Red Lobster restaurant on Washington Road as part of the Cops and Lobster program to raise money for Special Olympics.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
It was all for a good cause, however, as deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Community Services Division donated their time and serving talent for the benefit of Special Olympics. Tips given to the deputies will be donated to Special Olympics.
Special Olympics is a year-round international sports training and athletic competition program for more than one million children and adults with mental disabilities.
Customer Gail Facey, who was eating lunch with relatives, said, "We've had five different officers ask us if we needed anything else. We've enjoyed all the attention."
She said her sons, Adam, 4, and Austin, 7, were "thrilled" to talk to the deputies.
"Adam has already talked to four different police officers. He thinks they're great," she said.
Capt. Jim March, who heads the Community Services Division, said the Cops & Lobsters program is a "special project" of his office. He said the event was fun.
"We always like to talk to people, but it's special when we can talk to people and raise money for Special Olympics," he said.
Deputy Leslie Himebaugh said the deputies caused no accidents, like spilling tea on customers. "The customers have been very warm, very friendly and very patient," she said.
She said many customers did not realize that Special Olympics is supported entirely be donations and receives no government funds.
She said she explained the merits of Special Olympics to several customers. "In return, hopefully they'll donate to our worthy cause,"she said.
"They have been very gracious today," Himebaugh said. "So it was worthwhile being here."
The donations to Special Olympics made during the special event had not been totaled Thursday.