Annual Nick Van Dyke memorial run/walk returns today
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
Family, friends and members of the greater community and beyond will come together today for the Shamrock Shuffle at Lauderdale Landing to celebrate the life/legacy of Nick Van Dyke, a local man who died unexpectedly in a work-related accident at the age of 28.
In March 2011, Van Dyke helped organize the first Shamrock Shuffle – which was sponsored by his employer at the time, Lauderdale Landing – because it combined two of his favorite activities: St. Patrick’s Day and running.
After his death, the Healy’s, owners of Lauderdale Landing, decided to honor Van Dyke’s memory by incorporating his name in the event the following year. They also designated the money raised go toward a scholarship to a graduating senior from Van Dyke’s alma mater Elkhorn Area High School, whose post-secondary educational goals involve a career in the automotive field.
The Shuffle has grown each year in numbers and, thanks to the support of event sponsors, donors and participants, the organizing committee was able to expand the focus to include a Spread the Love scholarship that is awarded to a graduating senior who consistently reaches out to others without an expectation or personal recognition and/or reward.
“We’re giving two scholarships for $1,500 each, one is the Spread the Love scholarship and the other is for automotive students in Nick’s name,” Nick’s sister, Kyle Peterson, said prior to last year’s event.
The Spread the Love monies are also used to help local families in need and organizations that serve the surrounding community.
Peterson said beyond the scholarships and Spread the Love, money raised reaches even more people in the community, including adopting families during the holidays and supporting local youth recreation events.
They will also be sponsoring two of the City of Elkhorn Park and Recreation baseball teams this summer and the city’s Night Under the Lights event.
“We focus the money in Elkhorn because that’s where Nick was born and raised and where the majority of our donors and participants are from,” Peterson said.
Remembering Mom
Nick’s mom, Mary Van Dyke, died in May of 2019 and according to her family, she helped the Shuffle grow into what it is today.
“Mary was with us at every Shamrock Shuffle… Her presence will be noticeably missed this year,” they posted on the event’s Facebook page.
As a special way of honoring Mary, organizers sold limited, special edition sweatshirts and the Nick Van Dyke Memorial Fund matched proceeds from the sale of the sweatshirts. The money will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Public Adoptions Unit.
“Mary, as a social worker, worked closely with this unit, and we want to honor her memory by continuing to support the cause that was so dear to her,” the family posted.
About the Shuffle
The Nick Van Dyke Memorial Shamrock Shuffle is today, March 14, at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr., Elkhorn.
Participants can choose a 2-, 3- or 5-mile course along Westshore Drive, which offers a view of the Lauderdale Lakes shoreline.
Registration and sign-up is available today beginning at 9 a.m. (the run/walk begins at 11 a.m.) The cost is $20.
Raffle prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m.
For more information visit lauderdalelanding.com, nvdshamrockshuffle.com or Nick Van Dyke Shamrock Shuffle on Facebook.
