'Tunch & Wolf' walk raises money for Light of Life
Former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Craig “Wolf” Wolfley recalled a Thanksgiving Day in the 1980s. His friend and teammate Tunch Ilkin invited Wolfley to serve turkey and all the trimmings at Light of Life Rescue Mission on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
“There were plenty of parties and galas with fancy dinners I thought we could volunteer at, but Tunch insisted I join him at Light of Life,” said Wolfley. “I will never forget the moment I walked in and saw a mother and father and two young children. Seeing them broke my heart. It just ripped me apart.”
Wolfley and Ilkin have supported Light of Life ever since. They’ve become the faces for the annual walk for the homeless.
The 19th annual Tunch & Wolf’s Walk for the Homeless is happening Sunday.
Sunday’s celebration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Great Lawn on North Shore Drive on Pittsburgh’s North Side. It’s free and includes food and music. People can donate here.
Wolfley said Ilkin plans to attend Sunday’s event because he’s dedicated to helping Light of Life. The two talk daily and see each other at least once a week. Last week, Ilkin announced his retirement from the broadcast booth after 23 seasons to focus on his fight against ALS, the debilitating disease that attacks the nervous system.
After their playing days, Wolfley joined Ilkin on the Steelers broadcast team.
“Tunch is my brother,” Wolfley said. “God put us together 41 years ago. My mother says she has four boys and my sisters call him brother. He battles each and every day. Tunch is a never give up, never quit, kind of guy.”
June 13 has been declared annual “Tunch and Wolf Day” by Allegheny County executive Rich Fitzgerald.
The day recognizes Ilkin and Wolfley who have been involved with Light of Life for more than three decades.
The men lead Bible studies, talk with clients, speak at chapel services, and have invited people from Light of Life to Steelers training camp. Through their support the two have helped raise millions.
The entire Light of Life Rescue Mission organization is honored to call Tunch and Wolf friends for 35-plus years said Doug Smith, Director of Development for Light of Life.
“Since they walked through the doors of the Mission, they have continued to bless our organization by volunteering, leading Bible studies with clients, speaking at Chapel services, starting Tunch & Wolf’s Walk for the
Homeless 19 years ago and so much more,” Smith said.
Wolfley said for the first walk they had more volunteers than participants. The event continues to grow, he said.
The goal is to raise $100,000 for the mission to help provide food and shelter to men, women and children experiencing homelessness, poverty or addiction.
Money raised will go to the “Thanks a Million” campaign to reach $1 million in honor of Ilkin and Wolfley “Tunch & Wolf” supporting the organization for 35 years. The funds will help fund the renovation of a building for long-term residential programs.
“Light of Life is a wonderful organization that transforms peoples’ lives and makes a difference,” Wolfley said.
Wolfley said Light of Life provided 377,000 meals in 2020.
“One meal can make a difference in someone’s life,” Wolfley said. “It certainly did for me that first Thanksgiving I spent there.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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