Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver to attend benefit for local girl

WELLINGTON - Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper will attend a fundraiser for a local girl recently diagnosed with leukemia. The event, which will feature a chicken wing-eating contest, will take place at Gypsy's Horse Irish Pub and Restaurant, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., 1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 4 at the pub.

"I am humbled," said Larry Wolfe of the Acreage and father of 13-year-old Courtney Wolfe. Wolfe said he randomly met Duper at the hospital and when Duper heard about Courtney's condition he immediately asked if he could attend the event. Wolfe said Duper has offered to auction himself off, raffle off some of his memorabilia and give Courtney a signed jersey of his.

Wolfe said he overheard Duper saying to someone at the hospital: "I guess there was a reason I came to the hospital…to help that little girl."

Wolfe said he was deeply touched by Duper's generosity.

"This is definitely one of the biggest challenges I've [faced] in my life," Wolfe said.

The fundraiser is being organized by the The Palm Beach County FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society). Wolfe is the Captain of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue fire station 32 B in Lake Worth.

Wolfe said his daughter is currently in remission but will still have to face 2 and a half years of treatment.

"It's hard to see my 13-year-old go through this," he said. "She used to be very active. She has good days and bad days. I'm very proud of her. She still has a strong spirit."

The event will also feature a live band, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and those participating in the chicken wing eating contest will receive free beer while supplies last.

Call Organizer Tony Andrewson at 561-632-0009 for more information.

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About This Blog

Although not a native Floridian, Wellington/Royal Palm Beach Forum reporter Nadia Sorocka has called Florida her home for most of her life. She went to school in Palm Beach County graduating from John I. Leonard High School and Palm Beach State College. After receiving her Associate of Art degree she attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communications in 2004.

Nadia was able to combine her two passions - education and journalism - when she became a staff writer for Forum Publishing Group. Her column, Class Notes, allowed her to voice concerns with the education system as well as highlight positive aspects.

In February 2011 she became the reporter for the Wellington and Royal Palm Forums. She enjoys getting to know the people who call the western communities their home.

She may reached at nxsorocka@tribune.com or 561-351-6112.