By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The 10th annual “Run for Trey” on Oct. 11 was more than a welcomed 5K run and walk for 265 people finishing at home plate in “Treyton’s Field of Dreams” located in Whitewater’s Starin Park.
In the words of Molly Fuller, who along with her husband, Dan, have organized the run since 2014, this year’s run offered a wonderfully welcomed opportunity to “just find some positivity in common, human decency.”
Fuller further added it was a respite from current affairs.
“I think especially now there’s so much negativity in the world that people are craving love, they’re craving positive feelings.”
Treyton Kilar’s life was tragically taken at the hands of a drunk driver.
Before the start of the run, Treyton’s mom, Mary Kilar, told the crowd about what transpired a decade earlier.
“When the crash occurred on Sept. 2, 10 years ago, our world shattered. We wondered if we could take our next breath. We wanted our beautiful blond-haired Treyton to be remembered, remembered for his love, his kindness, and the light he provided for so many.”
“As we look around today,” Kilar continued, “we are reminded that so many have made sure he is always remembered, even in a pandemic.”
Treyton’s passing launched an ambitious effort to use his memory to benefit the Walworth and Jefferson county communities with construction of a youth sized baseball field. The field was dedicated on Oct. 4 – Treyton’s birthday – in 2014.
The field called “Treyton’s Field of Dreams” offers a place for area youth to come and play baseball, just like Treyton did. A concession stand was later built.
Money raised through the annual event, along with individual and corporate sponsorships, funds maintenance for the field, batting and pitching cages, and scholarships, given in Trey’s name, to Jefferson and Walworth county students who possess qualities of a good teammate and make healthy decisions.
“Finally, and maybe most importantly, to any and all who have experienced tragedy at the hands of destructive decisions, this run honors you,” Kilar said.
“It happens far too often and we all can work for change. Today is to honor that in all our lives.”
Gina Foucault, who concurred with Kilar, added she will always support the event.
“This event reminds us of how destructive decisions can impact a family for a lifetime. Jim and I participate to honor Treyton’s memory and to support this wonderful Whitewater family.”
Mary Kilar, in closing, shared that in thinking of Treyton’s life, she was drawn to the image of a candle and the song ’This Little Light of Mine” sung in Treyton’s honor.
For Fuller, the annual event is like a family reunion.
“I think that when you come to the run, no matter who you are, you feel that you are part of a family, and it’s just a unique feeling, and that’s why people come back year after year,” she said, adding it always brings positivity and comfort.
For more information about Treyton’s Field of Dreams, visit treysfield.org.
