By Staff
NILES - On Saturday, July 23, the family and friends of the late Tracy "Tiny" Wilson will be gathering at Plym Park Golf Course to help raise awareness of organ donation and to help fund the Tracy Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Tracy passed away in November 2003 while awaiting a heart transplant in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Tracy was born on Dec. 29, 1960 and lived in Niles all his life. He was a 1979 graduate of Niles High School where he served as senior class president and homecoming king. He was a realtor for ColdWell Banker Real Estate Specialists, owned "Pigs by Bis" catering company and also worked in the maintenance department of the Niles Community School Corporation.
Tracy loved nature and was an a vid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed darts and bowling, but especially enjoyed his children and taking part in their many activities.
Many people knew Tracy throughout the Niles and Michiana area from his many catering jobs he performed for various businesses and organizations – everyone knew Tiny as a "gentle giant."
The condition that caused Tracy to be placed on the transplant list is known as cardiomyopathy. This condition causes the heart to deteriorate to the point that it no longer works to support the body. There isn't a "sure" for this disease and normally results in requiring a transplant.
Tracy's family and friends wanted to come up with something that would help people with needs similar to Tracy's to help promote organ donation and to make people aware of how important it is to help people like Tracy.
The first scholarship recipient will be awarded at the hog roast after the golf outing.
The outing is a scramble or "best ball" format. Shot gun start is at 8 a.m. The cost is $50 per person or $200 for a foursome.
The cost includes golf, golf cart, hog roast luncheon and a commemorative t-shirt.
There will be a $10,000 hole-in-one contest along with other "special" prize holes.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations for raffle prizes are being taken.
Representatives from Michigan and Indiana organ donation organizations will be present to help participants sign up to be organ donors.
There will be a hog roast at the Knights of Columbus hall on Platt Street immediately following the outing that is opened to the public. Ticket prices (for non-golfers) for the hog roast are $5 per person or $3 for children 12 and under.
There will be live music later in the day and activities for the entire family.
For more information, please call Bill Zimmerman at 687-2809 or 683-9382.