Wertz Warriors trip to Hawks well worthwhile
How does the small hamlet of Hawks manage to come up with so much money year after year to donate to the Wertz Warriors for the Special Olympics cause? Caring and volunteers is the answer, plain and simple. The workload begins in October and reaches a peak shortly before the annual Hawks Auction at the Night Hawk Inn. This year netted a check for $9,500 for the Warriors, and pushed the total donations for Hawks to the $112,642 mark in the community?s 20th year of participation and the Wertz Warriors? 23rd year making the 900-mile snowmobile run for Special Olympics.
Money-wise this was as good a year as any for the Warriors, but incident-wise, there was a cloud of unhappiness following the group. During the week, they lost one of their own, Pat Modos of Kalkaska, to a tragic snowmobile accident while on the run. Longtime Warrior and spokesman, Bob Meyers said, ?You know what? The Warriors come together pretty well ? but it?s been real tough handling this particular incident. That fellow Warrior was very well liked and he always did a real good job at his own fundraiser.
?IT WAS one of those tragic things that can happen and we just weren?t prepared for the loss. We?ve had broken arms and legs, and you can expect that to happen ? but this was something that is truly a sorrow for us,? Meyers added. The Warriors would be attending a memorial on Sunday for their fallen comrade, but Saturday they had to carry on as usual, stopping at the Night Hawk Inn in Hawks to have a bite to eat and pick up the $9,.500 check. Special Olympian Cindy Hartwick came in with her mom Sylvia, and greeted Meyers with a big hug before taking a seat with other Warriors. Cindy participates in the summer bowling Olympics.
Bruce Watson came in with his Mom Barbara and was immediately looking for his favorite buddy, Mark ?The Bird? Fidrych, the former Detroit Tiger pitcher, who has made the run the past 12 years and serves as honorary chairman. Bruce went about the task of getting as many autographs as possible from the Warriors, having them sign his notebook, before he spied Fidrych standing tall and talking with some of his buddies. Bruce approached Fidrych and put his arms about his hero while Fidrych responded with a big hug and a smile. Bruce was unable to participate this year in the cross-country skiing events as he had been undergoing medical testing.
?MAYBE NEXT year,? Bruce said with a smile, still excited at seeinng all his Wertz Warrior friends. Charlie ?Tuna? Peyerk of Marysville was milling about and stopped to talk a moment, saying, ?This year is a bit somber because of the accident, but this is something that?s been set up to do ? and we do it no matter what.? ?Tuna? is part of the support group that brings the trucks and equipment to stop after stop. He?s been doing this for 10 years and plans to keep right on doing it. His regular job is working with Detroit Edison and he takes off his own time to volunteer his abilities to the Wertz Warrior cause. Dave White of St. Clair Shores is a videographer who travels with the Warriors and captures everything on tape before editing and making a new video record of each year?s trip. He also volunteers a week of his time and expertise.
White has been a member since 1983, the year after the late Vic Wertz formed the group to underwrite the Special Olympic Winter Games. The time for resting was up and Carl ?Preach? Altman began the presentation, saying, ?We had a good turnout at the Thursday night auction ? I?d like to thank all the people who donated items, the volunteers, and all those who made this such a success.
?I THINK the reason we do well each year is because we don?t set any goals ? whatever we do we do ? it takes the pressure off. It did quite well again ? and we have a check for $9,500,? Altman said to the whoops and hollers of gratification from the crowd of Warriors. Meyers then presented a plaque of appreciation to Lillian Wirgau for all the years of hard work and dedication she and many others have devoted to the Warriors. ?I?d like to read the inscription,? Meyers said. ?For 20 years of caring, February 2004, presented to the community of Hawks, Michigan and the surrounding areas. ?In recognition of your dedicated commitment to supporting Wertz Warriors and Special Olympics of Michigan, your continued heartfelt support for the past 20 years ? has generated more than $100,000 to finance Special Olympics Winter Games for hundreds of Michigan athletes w
?YOUR GENEROSITY has made a difference that will be remembered ? from our hearts to your hearts ? Thank you, Wertz Warriors and Special Olympics of Michigan.? Through her tears of appreciation, Lillian said, ?I work very hard at this because I really enjoy it. And I have all the help of all these wonderful people. I appreciate it and we thank you,? Lillian added. Meyers added a bit of whimsy, saying, ?We?ve logged about 65,000 snowmobile miles over the years ? but somebody told me we could have cut those miles in half if Larry (turn-us-around) Turnis hadn?t been leading!?
After the laughter subsided, the Warriors left and were off to Gaylord where they finished their run for the year.