Community Plans Fund-Raisers for Dakota Coach Wrestling Cancer

Rallying to the phrase, "No one fights alone," friends and family of varsity wrestling coach Bill Witgen are organizing two fund-raisers this month to support Witgen in his battle against cancer.

Diagnosed with cancer in January, Witgen was forced to miss several tournaments and meets, but never failed to support his young team, ultimately coaching the Cougars to more than 500 individual wins for the season, including a fourth-place Division 1 state medal for in the 135-pound bracket.

His team is now doing its best to return that support, organizing two separate fund-raising banquets to benefit Witgen and his family as he continues various cancer treatments. 

"We have been working on this for a while," Bill's brother Dan Witgen told The Voice. "There are a lot of people who love and support him and want to help a guy who is in the prime of his life to beat this."

Friends and supporters of Witgen are invited to the following events:

Pasta Dinner

When: Sunday, March 18, 3-7 p.m.

Where: Managan's Irish Hut, 49 North Rose, Mt. Clemens 48043

RSVP/Tickets: Rose Karam, 586-419-1124, or kar57@comcast.netPre-Payment is preferred, however you can RSVP and pay at the door.

Cost: $15, donation includes dinner. Make checks payable to cash or Rose Karam. Mail to 49200 Maplewood, Macomb, 48044

Other: Raffles and 50/50. Cash bar.

Wild Game Dinner

When: Saturday, March 24, doors at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.

Where: Capital Banquet Center, 12350 31 Mile Road, Washington, 48095

RSVP/Tickets: Jim Cali at 586-524-9481, or Jason Ireland at 586-764-4800

Cost: $60, donation includes dinner, premium bar and mystery door raffle

Other: Raffles, silent auction, 50/50