Wertz Warriors receive more than $16,000 in donations

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

For the 28th consecutive year, a merry band of 42 snowmobilers held their annual snowmobile trek across northern Michigan to benefit Michigan Special Olympics.For seven days, the intrepid outdoorsmen piloted their snowmobiles through the woods and across frozen lakes of northern Michigan.

Along the way, they stopped in towns like Millersburg and Onaway to mingle with those who benefit from the ride, the developmentally disabled who compete in the Michigan Special Olympics.

Both stops in Presque Isle County were special in their own ways. At one time, the Warriors made only stop in Presque Isle County, but now it has increased to two the last two years with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4482 of Millersburg being added to the itinerary.

UNDER BRIGHT sunny skies, with the warmest weather of the year, the Warriors arrived in good spirits to a table full of Pat Watson?s popular sticky buns, along with other goodies.

?It?s a worthy cause,? said Watson, of why she makes them every year. Watson has been involved in Special Olympics for 29 years.

The Warriors received a $3,910 check, which was presented by Larry and Colleen Kaltz, along with Judy Rachuba. Last year, they raised $1,000.

Mark ?The Bird? Fidrych presented Special Olympian Tammy Davies a plaque to thank her for ?support and dedication? of the Warriors? ride. She became teary-eyed as everyone in the room gave her a rousing cheer.

Money was raised from NASCAR parties, cash-back raffles and 50/50s.

THE WARRIORS then went to connect with the rail-trail in Millersburg, with their next destination being Stoney Creek Restaurant and Lounge for lunch where they received another generous donation.

Longtime Warrior Bob Myers asked Barb Watson to come to the front of the room. ?Barb had a wonderful son named Bruce, who took part in Special Olympics for 27 years,? he said. ?We got to know Bruce real well. Anybody who knew Bruce loved him. He always smiled. He was our buddy and friend. We lost Bruce three years ago. His memory will live on with all of us.

?In memory of Bruce we have something special today. I would like to designate Bruce as an honorary Wertz Warrior, forever. We have a W

ertz Warrior jacket with Bruce?s name on it. We would like you to have it.? Watson couldn?t wipe away a tear fast enough before another was streaming down her cheek.

The three biggest fundraisers at Stoney Creek are the golf outing ($2,680), January auction ($7,002), and the Texas Hold?em Tournament ($1,205), shortly after. The total amount raised was $12,644.

Horrocks Auctioneering was acknowledged with a certificate of appreciation for their assistance every year.

When the final snowmobile crossed the finish line in Petoskey last Saturday, the Warriors had covered nearly 1,000 miles.

The Wertz Warriors were founded by former Detroit Tiger and later a Mount Clemens-area beer distributor Vic Wertz.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.