13th Annual Quake on the Lake Honors Pontiac Youngster as Special Wish Child

This article was submitted to White Lake Patch for publication by Bob Dustman with Quake on the Lake.

The Rainbow Connection, a 501(c) charity founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in 1985 that grants wishes to children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses, has selected 12 year Terryon (TJ), who lives in Pontiac, to be this year’s Wish Child for the 13th Annual inboard hydroplane races on Pontiac Lake in White Lake/Waterford Townships July 20-22.

TJ is a sixth grader whose passions range from math class to sports, especially basketball, football and baseball. He also is a devotee of video games and orange, just in case you were wondering is his favorite color. TJ, who was diagnosed in February with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, would like to go on a fun-filled trip to Disney World with his family, as soon as he finishes receiving treatment for his illness and is able to travel. Net proceeds from Quake-on-the-Lake will help make that dream come true, since the Rainbow Connection is the primary beneficiary of this annual charity event.

Since its inception,almost thirty years ago, Rainbow has granted more than 2,450 wishes to deserving children who have faced life’s most daunting challenges. Some of the favorite wishes granted have included trips to Disney World, which ranks at the top of the list; Hawaii and Atlantis. Many of the youngsters have wanted to meet celebrities like Luke Bryan, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Raven, President George W. Bush, Jimmy Fallon and Kenny Chesney. Still others’ “wishes” had a shopping sprees at the top of their list.

This year’s Quake on the Lake will play host to the 2012 American Power Boat Association(APBA) World Championships, the first time this prestigious event has been held in Michigan.

Event times are Friday July 20 3pm-10pm; Saturday July 21 9am-10pm and Sunday July 22 9am-5pm. For a complete schedule events and other
information visit www.QuakeOnTheLake.org.