Sergeant Todd Finato, far right, helps bag groceries for his ‘Bagging for Bucks' event that benefits the Special Olympics.
Working to help keep the community safe by day as a police officer, Todd Finato also has a pet project that benefits the community as well.
The San Mateo County sheriff’s sergeant is spearheading a fundraiser “Bagging for Bucks” for the third year in a row. The event, at Bianchini’s Market in both San Carlos and Portola Valley, takes place this Friday and benefits the Special Olympics of Northern California. Last year, Finato helped raise $4,000 for the organization in just a few hours.
“It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness for the Special Olympics,” he said.
Officers will act as courtesy clerks, bagging groceries and collecting tips during bagging for the group that provides athletic opportunities to children and adults with disabilities. This year, Finato hopes to raise even more money; his fundraising goal is $5,000. Finato, who runs the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit, is a Belmont native and a recipient of several awards for his years of work with Special Olympics. Bianchini’s Market is happy to be hosting the event.
“We have a long-standing relationship with the Sheriff’s Office in San Mateo County,” Bianchini’s owner Kevin Bianchini said in a prepared statement. “We make it a priority to support their work whenever possible.”
Deputies and staff will be present passing out giveaways, taking photos and passing out child fingerprinting and safety kits. In addition, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Explorers Program for teens will be showcased at the San Carlos store to raise awareness about the Explorers program.
Finato has been involved with the Special Olympics for more than 13 years and also does volunteer work to help combat muscular dystrophy. Recently, the Lion’s Club presented him with a Commendation Award for Service for his work with Special Olympics.
Finato, who has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management, has also participated in “Tip-A-Cop” events in which cops act as celebrity waiters and waitresses. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Foster City Fire Department as well as Woodside Fire Protection District. He then became acquainted with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office 25 years ago starting his career as a volunteer member of the Emergency Services Detail.
“We are able to present awards at different events,” he said. “Meeting the athletes and seeing the smiles on their faces is the most rewarding thing.”
All the athletes are special to Finato, but he enjoys interacting with one San Carlos athlete named Ronnie in particular.
The “Bagging for Bucks” event will run from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at Bianchini’s Market Portola Valley, 3130 Alpine Road in the Ladera Shopping Center, and at Bianchini’s Market San Carlos at 810 Laurel St. Police officers are available to escort customers to their cars. All proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Northern California.
For more information, go to sonc.org.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help with events,” Finato said.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 105
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