This year, proceeds from the annual ‘Tunch & Wolf’s Walk for the Homeless’ went toward the renovation of a building to house Light of Life’s long-term residential programs.

By Sonu Babu

Photo: Light of Life

The Light of Life Rescue Mission celebrated ‘Tunch and Wolf Day’ on June 13, 2021, proclaimed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. The day was named in honor of the former Pittsburgh Steelers’ Tackle Tunch Ilkin and Guard Craig Wolfley. 

June 13 marked the nonprofit organization’s 19th annual Tunch & Wolf’s Walk for the Homeless, with a goal to raise $100,000. The organization aims to provide food and shelter to people facing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. The nonprofit organization is also planning to name their Voeghtly Street shelter’s chapel and Ridge Avenue location’s kitchen after Tunch and Wolf. This year, proceeds from the walk went toward the “Thanks a Million” campaign, which aimed to raise one million dollars to fund the renovation of a building to house Light of Life’s long-term residential programs. 

Tunch and Wolf have been supporting the organization for 35 years. In 1987, Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley served dinner on Thanksgiving at Light of Life, and since then, they have helped raise money for the organization as well as use their influence to spread the word about it. 

For this year’s walk, participants tracked their miles for the 5K and 10K challenges, and raised funds for a month up to the event. Then, an in-person celebration with about 150 people took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Great Lawn on the North Shore, which included free registration, food, and music. 

Light of Life has been helping people experiencing homelessness and poverty for over 60 years. For more information, visit their website.