Residents looking for a way to eat lobster and meet local police officers can do both Friday night.

The DeKalb Police Department and the DeKalb Red Lobster are teaming up for the seventh annual “Tip-A-Cop” Night to benefit the Special Olympics.

Restaurant General Manager Melanie Bacino is excited for the event because of the record-breaking contributions last year, which brought in more money than some prominent Chicago-area restaurants, like those in Aurora and Downers Grove.

“I was very pleased that the community stepped up and helped a good cause,” Bacino said of last year’s cause, which raked in the third-highest total in the state at $2,270.

Guests will have their orders taken by the regular waitstaff, and the officers then will deliver the bread, soft drinks and salads to the guests so the officers can introduce the patrons to the program and answer any questions regarding the Special Olympics.

Sgt. Wes Hoadley of the DeKalb Police Department has organized this event all seven years and promotes the cause behind the event. Hoadley said 100 percent of the money goes to support the Special Olympics program, and the donation is tax deductible. The department has had officers help out with the games in the past and also participates in the Special Olympic Torch Run in June, Hoadley said.

“Anybody can make a donation anytime they want,” Hoadley said, adding that there are envelopes available at the police department, 400 S. Fourth St.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 12 officers signed up to be servers at the event, including Police Chief Bill Feithen and Lt. Jim Kayes, as well as Hoadley.