Campbell, Los Gatos Tip BIG For March of Dimes

Diners came in looking for a good breakfast and were wide-eyed and all smiles when they were led to their tables by a California Highway Patrol officer.

On Thursday and Friday, the CHP had its "Tip-a-CHP" fundraiser for the March of Dimes at Aldo's Ristorante & Bar in Los Gatos and Restaurant in Campbell.

Campbell's Stacks is now in its second year of participation. Usually, the Campbell PD comes by and raises funds for the Special Olympics this way, but this time, it was the California Highway Patrol that helped seat customers.

"I love it," says Jim Greeley, general manager at Stacks. "Everyone has a lot of fun, and we raise a bunch of money."

Four CHP officers participated at both events, says officer Janean Reynolds, who organized this year's events for the first time.

"I didn't know what to expect," she says.

It was Aldo's first time participating as well.

CHP collected about $660 at Aldo's and about $1,847 at Stacks for the nonprofit organization, Reynolds says. 

"Almost every table has donated," she says. "Everyone has been amazingly gracious here."

The CHP also had a raffle at both events, with prizes including a fruit basket donated by Nob Hill on Los Gatos Boulevard, two $25 gift cards donated by the on Winchester Boulevard and a $40 gift card for an oil change at Spee Dee on Los Gatos Boulevard.