Four Years Later, Nick's (S)mile Growing in Manchester

The family and friends of Marine Cpl. Nicholas S. Ott say the thing they remember most about Nick is “his unique, endearing and everlasting smile. It was priceless and his personality was infectious.”

The Manchester native was killed in action in Afghanistan Aug. 10, 2011, and his family and friends continue to raise money and award scholarships to keep his memory alive.

On Saturday, the Cpl. Nicholas S. Ott Foundation will hold its fourth annual Nick’s (S)mile of Quarters fundraiser.

“It has been said that some smiles are worth a million dollars, but Nick’s was – and remains, invaluable,” the group says on its website for the foundation. “In raising money to support this fund, we continue to spread Nick’s high-spirited enthusiasm for life. That million dollar goal is indeed lofty, so his friends decided to also honor the love Nick had of his school and symbolize his beloved football field with the realistic and fun task of placing a mile of quarters around the track. Each year our goal is raising $15,000 – the approximate value of a (s)mile of quarters.”

The fundraiser Saturday at Harry Wright Lake in Whiting begins at 11 a.m. There is a horseshoes tournament, a 50/50, live music, a bounce house for the kids, face painting and more. Food and beverages will be available, and there will be vendors.

There is a poker run and the horseshoes tournament begin at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

In the event of rain, it will be postponed to Sunday, Sept. 13.

All proceeds to benefit the Cpl. Nicholas S. Ott Memorial Fund, administered by the Manchester Township Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable organization #26-0318478. Donations to the 501(c)3 non-profit are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.