'Tunch & Wolf' walk raises money for Light of Life
Jun. 12—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."
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 Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .
