Troopers from the Indiana State Police Versailles Post and staff members at Texas Roadhouse in Columbus will be collecting tips from customers for donations to help the more than 11,000 athletes involved in Special Olympics Indiana.

It will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Texas Roadhouse, 2508 25th St., Columbus.

Customers are encouraged to donate gratuities in envelopes marked for Special Olympics, leaving them with troopers at the door as they leave the restaurant. Each donation helps to raise funds and awareness for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

Troopers and officers from other police departments will be on hand, and state police vehicles also will be on display.

This is part of a weeklong effort in which the Indiana State Police is partnering with Texas Roadhouse restaurants around the state for the annual Tip-A-Cop event to raise funds for Special Olympics.

Throughout its history, the Tip-A-Cop fundraising event with various restaurant partners has generated more than $2.5 million for Special Olympics.

For information about the Columbus event, contact Sgt. Stephen Wheeles at the Indiana State Police Versailles Post at 812-689-5000.

For information about Special Olympics Indiana or to host a fundraising event, contact Stephanie Manner at 317-713-4291.