On October 14, 2015 White Diamond held its first annual “Tylor’s Burger Battle” in memory of their son, Tylor Collins. Tylor fought a tough battle against Ewing Sarcoma (bone cancer) for two years prior to his passing on April 25, 2015, one day shy of his 17th birthday. Tylor leaves behind his parents, Kevin & Tammy Collins and his brother Brandon. Tylor was a student at ALJ High School where he had many friends, not only in the students, but the staff as well. Tylor would be a senior this year and graduating in June of 2016. The Collins’ have found themselves surrounded by many friends, ALJ and the township of Clark, who have all supported them during this difficult time. After the passing of Tylor his mother, Tammy, was determined to keep his memory alive and she is doing just that! “A parent’s biggest fear is losing one of their children, mine now is that he will be forgotten.”
Along with the help of two very special people, Kathie Simas and Sharon Mills, a teacher at ALJ who tutored Tylor during his illness, started putting their heads together and came up with “The Tylor Collins Scholarship Fund.” The team of women, along with help from many others, have truly dedicated themselves to this very worthy cause. There have been other fundraisers but none that compare to”Tylor’s Burger Battle.” This was a night filled with family and friends of Tylor’s competing to eat as many small hamburgers as possible in ten minutes. The restaurant was crowded with many competitors, onlookers and friends to cheer each other on. It truly was a fun-filled night for all.
White Diamond donated its facility as well as all the burgers that were eaten that night with 100% of the proceeds going to “The Tylor Collins Scholarship Fund.” Mike Boulanger a dear friend to Tylor, walked away the winner that night eating nearly twelve burgers. Boulanger walked away a very proud winner with his trophy in tow, yet donating back the cash prize of the night.
The ladies intend on hosting this event for many years to come so keep your eyes posted for next year. Tammy sais, “We all know Tylor was looking upon all of us last night smiling so proudly, he would have loved this event, especially the fact that Mike won; I know he was helping Mike shove those burgers down.” The team behind this scholarship fund are working very hard to prepare for their next event, which will be a tricky tray held at the Gran Centurions in March. The Collins family would like to extend their gratitude to all of those who have helped along the way in putting these events together, especially Kathie Simas (& family), Sharon Mills, Chris & Savannah Coop, Anthony Parin, Kristina Geiger, The National Honor Society and the ALJ Key Club.
(above) Tylor Collins.
above) Congratulations to Mike Boulanger! The winner of the 1st Annual Clark White Diamond Tylor’s Burger Battle. Mike was able to eat 11 hamburgers in 10 minutes.
(above) The Collins Family – Kevin, Tammy and Brandon.
