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Berkeley police will dish out service and smiles to customers at Skate's on the Bay restaurant at the Berkeley Marina today as part of the annual Tip-a-Cop fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics of Northern California.  

Uniformed officers will be assisting the wait staff from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., including by performing a spirited rendition of "Happy Birthday" for diners enjoying a birthday celebration.  

In exchange for their hospitality, police are hoping to receive generous "tips" to donate to the Special Olympians.  

Skate's on the Bay has hosted the fundraiser for the past five years. The cooperation has proved successful, with the team raising $4,500 at the 2009 event.  

Berkeley police have also been involved in Special Olympics fundraising in other ways, generating more than $7,000 for the participants through a Torch Run and a 38-story rappel of the San Francisco Hyatt earlier this year.  

Officer Jamie Perkins said the event is just as rewarding for police officials as it is for the athletes.  

"It brings us great joy to see the admiration and enthusiasm the Olympians show for us," she said. "The event is really special and a great opportunity for us to give back to the community."