Briefs: Tip a cop at Applebees, help the homeless

On April 24, the Gilroy Police Department will be serving the community as usual, but in a slightly different capacity than usual – serving food.
“Tip-a-Cop” is an annual event where GDP officers volunteer as wait staff to raise money for the Special Olympics. Dine at Applebees on Arroyo Circle from 6 p.m. to 9  p.m., leave a tip for the meal, and the money goes to providing local Special Olympics athletes with free year-round training and competition in 12 sports, according to a press release from the GPD.
Community Solutions to host luncheon and auction
Community Solutions, a leading social services agency serving South County, will host its sixth annual Hearts of Gilroy Luncheon and Auction from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club at 2951 Club Dr. in Gilroy.
Guests are asked to bring a gently-used or new item for auction. Proceeds will benefit Community Solutions’ programs for children and familes in the community.
Community Solutions will also present an award to an individual who generously supports the Gilroy community.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa DeSilva at (408) 776-6212, or visit www.heartsofgilroy2012.eventbrite.com. Seating is limited and RSVP is required.
Fundraisers for the Gilroy Compassion Center
Looking for ways to give back to the community? There are currently two opportunities to support the Gilroy Compassion Center, a local homeless shelter offering food, clothes and support services to the needy.
Several student clubs from Gavilan College have decided to donate proceeds from their annual Walk for Health, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. May 11 on campus, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy. Community members are invited to get sponsored and join the walk. For more details, contact student orgnizer Vicky Garcia at (831) 664-8539.
Another group of Gavilan students are running a T-shirt drive for the Compassion Center. Students have set up donation barrels in the Gilroy campus student center and library; and at the Morgan Hill Gavilan College site at 17060 Monterey St. The donation drive runs through May 8. The public is welcome to drop off new and gently used t-shirts.
The Gilroy Compassion Center is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 8425 Monterey Rd.