Denny's Rides for Fourth Consecutive Year with Tour de Force

Florida Denny’s restaurants are gearing up for their fourth annual partnership with Tour de Force, a Miami-based organization that provides financial support to the surviving family members of Florida law enforcement officers who were lost in the line of duty. Denny’s is the title sponsor for the five-day, 270-mile charity bicycle ride from North Miami Beach to Daytona Beach shores from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2015.

Anyone can support the cause by participating in the ride or making an online donation at FloridaTourdeForce.org. Participants will ride up Florida’s east coast through 42 law enforcement jurisdictions, stopping at multiple Denny’s locations including restaurants in North Miami Beach, Port St. Lucie and Titusville.

“Each year, this cause reminds us why we call ourselves America’s Diner. We feel personally connected to the people and the communities in which we serve, and we are proud to have a hand in making this event possible,” said Denise Gaines, senior manager of field marketing for Denny’s. “Our partnership with Tour de Force allows us to thank these incredible servicemen and women for their sacrifice and show appreciation for our local heroes.”

Last year, six Florida officers were killed in the line of duty: Officer Charles Kondek of Tarpon Springs Police Department, Deputy Sherif Christopher Smith of Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Trooper Chelsea Richard of Florida Highway Patrol, Officer Mark Larson of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Police Officer Robert German of Windermere Police Department and Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Pine of Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“Denny’s has been an essential part of Tour de Force’s success over the past three years and we are looking forward to another terrific ride this year,” said Detective Craig Catlin, executive director of Tour de Force and North Miami Beach police officer. “Denny’s provides more than meals and coupons, they bring the community together and help spread the awareness these officers and their families deserve.”

Since its inaugural ride in 1997, Tour De Force has raised more than $300,000 for the families of fallen officers and law enforcement related organizations. For more information, and to donate, please visit FloridaTourdeForce.org.