Special Olympian Phillip Brown clapped his hands in delight celebrating his 18^th birthday with a serenade of “Happy Birthday” by Rutherford County School Resource Officers led by crooner SRO Dick Peach.

Brown celebrated his birthday surrounded by family and friends at the “Wings and Rings” event at Toot’s restaurant in Smyrna to raise funds for 200 Special Olympians competing in a bowling tournament Oct. 27 at Smyrna Bowling Lanes. The funds will be used to pay bus drivers to transport Rutherford County and Murfreesboro schools’ students to the tournament.

Toot’s donated $400 and diners contributed $2,100 to allow intellectually disabled students compete in athletic competitions. Rutherford County sheriff’s SROs sang songs and visited with students and families. Peach serenaded diners with his famous Elvis renditions.

Peach, who revels in entertaining, distributed photographs of himself that he autographed. He took requests for songs and sang “Happy Anniversary” to several couples. His wife, Cecilia, underwent surgery before the event. Family members stayed with her while Peach attended the fund-raiser.

SROs from around the county joined Peach in singing birthday songs and visiting with both present and former students.

Special Olympics co-chair John Harris said the donations will ensure Special Olympians will compete in athletic events.

“This was remarkable,” Harris said. “We want to thank the staff at Toot’s, the SROs and Sheriff Robert Arnold for allowing us to come out. This has been a huge night for Special Olympics.”

Rachel Hunter, the Smyrna Toot’s general manager, said the event brings the staff closer to the community.

“Giving back to the community like this gives me goosebumps,” Hunter said. “These children are a blessing to all of us. Making their lives better is the biggest gift I’ve ever had to give back.”

Special Olympics co-chair Lou Paschall said the funds raised at Toot’s will pay for the bowling tournament costs.

“We are thrilled,” Paschall said.