Claim Jumper Restaurants Tip-A-Cop 2004 a Huge Success.

Business Editors

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2004

Claim Jumper Restaurant's Tip-A-Cop 2004 to benefit Special Olympics was a huge success. With the cooperation and assistance of local police departments, highway patrol, FBI, district attorney offices, and a variety of law enforcement agencies, the event posted a remarkable increase in donations -- 30% over 2003. The eight Orange County restaurants, where the original Claim Jumper Restaurant was located, raised more than $32,000. The total for Southern California was over $80,000, and system-wide at all 32 Claim Jumper Restaurant locations, the total was almost $102,000.

"Tip-A-Cop has become a true partnership between the law enforcement community, Special Olympics and Claim Jumper Restaurants," said Larry Bill, Claim Jumper Restaurants director of community/public relations. "The enthusiasm of everyone involved and the generosity of our guests is amazing."

Tip-A-Cop 2004 was held on Thursday evening, April 29, 2004. Volunteers worked alongside the Claim Jumper staff throughout the evening. Their duties included greeting guests, bussing and waiting tables, and sharing information about Special Olympics with the customers. One hundred percent of the tips they made went to support Special Olympics programs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington. Senior officers and chiefs were in attendance at several of the locations. Patrol cars, motorcycle units, DARE vehicles, mobile command centers, equestrian and K-9 units, along with displays of equipment and promotional materials helped make the evening special. Athletes and representatives from Special Olympics were also in attendance to answer any questions guests may have had.

Claim Jumper Restaurants, open daily for lunch and dinner, operates 32 privately-owned casual dining restaurants in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington with an employee population of nearly 5,500. A popular dining establishment for families, children, seniors and business professionals, Claim Jumper's menu offers an extensive selection of American favorites prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Founder and President Craig Nickoloff opened the original Claim Jumper Restaurant in Los Alamitos, Calif. Sept. 27, 1977. Visit Claim Jumper Restaurants on the Web at http://www.claimjumper.com.

Special Olympics is a year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with learning, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1968 in the United States by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the organization has now grown to encompass over 160 countries worldwide. For more information visit www.specialolympics.com.