“Good food and fun” is on the menu for the Wings & Rings benefit for Special Olympians participating in the annual fall bowling tournament in October. 

School Resource Officers will collect donations from diners from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Toot’s in Smyrna, said Special Olympics chair Lou Paschall.

The funds raised will help pay expenses for 450 Rutherford County and Murfreesboro school students with disabilities to participate in the annual county owling tournament in October and the state tournament.

“This is a favorite activity of the fall for our adult athletes and student-athletes from Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City Schools,” Paschall said. “We appreciate the support of Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and the SROs and the owners, management, and staff at Toot's in Smyrna for their support of this fundraiser.”

General Manager Johnny Maurizi of Toot's Smyrna said the restaurant supports Rutherford County athletes.

“These Special Olympians deserve a chance to compete and cannot do so without sufficient funding,” Maurizi said. “As a company, we love that we can play a part in facilitating a sports competition for them. As in any competition for local athletes, the participants and their families face a possible financial burden.”

The funds raised will reduce the financial pressure these families might face, he said.

Sheriff’s School Resource Officer Jackie Bauer said Wings & Rings allows SROs to support students who are Special Olympians.

SROs will place envelopes on tables and collect the donations diners wish to make. People may also pay by credit or debit cards. Diners may also buy T-shirts.

“Wings & Rings” is a great opportunity to skip cooking, dishes and contribute to a great cause, she said. This is a chance to help raise funds for activities for Special Olympics athletes in Area 16.