Wings and Rings fundraiser at Toot’s

Toot’s diners can enjoy “good food and fun” while supporting Special Olympians during the Wings & Rings fund-raiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at Toot’s South on Church Street in Murfreesboro.

Sheriff’s School Resource Officers will collect donations from diners with all funds to pay for the annual Special Olympics Track and Field meet at MTSU.

Special Olympics coordinator Lou Paschall said community donations are needed for 501 athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in the meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 5 at MTSU’s soccer field. MTSU athletes operate the meet and volunteers help the athletes.

“The Track and Field Meet is the day for these athletes to have the spotlight and for our community to have a chance to support and cheer on these individuals,” Paschall said. “We want it to be a wonderful day for the athletes. We especially appreciate the support of Toot’s, Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, and the Schools Resource Officers in raising money to support this event.”

Donations collected at Toot’s help pay for the transportation costs of the meet.

Toot’s will offer a special 10 chicken wings or fingers and a half-order of onion rings for $5.99 during the Wings & Rings event.

General Manager Matt Utterback at Toot’s South said Toot’s staff supports the community.

“By having such loyal customers that continue to support us, we are able to contribute to great causes such as the Wings & Rings event,” Utterback said. “We are honored to be able to help out the Area 16 Special Olympics. Thank you to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for offering us the opportunity to work with such a great group.”

Fitzhugh said SROs support the Special Olympians in the Rutherford County Schools by raising the funds, running in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to open the meet and walking with students in the parade.

“Our SROs and the Sheriff’s Office support the Special Olympians as they show their athletic skills during the meet and in raising funds to sponsor the meet,” Fitzhugh said.

Pictured: School Resource Officer Carl Watkins visits with Benny Collins at last April’s Wings & Rings fund-raiser for Special Olympians at Toot’s South. Students can visit with their SROs and donate to Special Olympics at this year’s fund-raiser from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at Toot’s South.