Wrestling is a hit: Rotary, Interact learn the ropes for fundraising first Published in the Times-Beacon 6/05/08 By BOB VOSSELLER Staff Writer LACEY — They came out ready to rumble during Saturday night's benefit wrestling event, which drew fans in droves to the high school gymnasium. The event was a benefit for the Rotary Club of Forked River and the Lacey High School Interact Club. It was the first time the clubs held such an event and it was well attended. National wrestling superstars Nick Dinsmore, better known as Eugene from WWE's "RAW"; Sal Sincere, known as wrestling diva Sable's former boy toy; and The Patriot were among the featured guests. They joined former ECW wrestler The Equalizer and former intercontinental champion Tito Santana. Above, wrestling fans Michael Ofsanko, 8, Matthew Tamke, 9, and John Linstra, 9, all of Lacey, show their spirit prior to the All-Star Pro Wrestling event on May 31 at the high school. Below, Ryan Blackheart reacts to a well-placed kick during the fundraiser to benefit the Rotary and Interact clubs. Times-Beacon photos by Peter Ackerman Sal Sincere and J.D. Smooth argue with the announcer prior to the first bout of the night during an All-Star Pro Wrestling event at Lacey Township High School on May 31. Times-Beacon photo by Peter Ackerman The night of wrestling also included the world famous Wrestling Clown and the Midwest Bullies Evil T.N.T. and Saddam Insane. Dinsmore's lovable Eugene character brought a flare of superhero antics to the contest. World Wide Wrestling hall-of-famer and former intercontinental and tag team champion "El Mator" Tito Santana traveled all the way from Mexico to be part of the night's action. A Jersey Shore title match took place between champion Nicky Oceans versus Lacey Township's own Rhett Titus. Rhett "The Threat" Titus is a rising star and this marked his first chance to win professional wrestling gold. His match with Oceans was much anticipated. "Rhett "The Threat' Titus won his title bout," Rotarian Kathie Nelms said. "It is so funny, he has such a great following of kids from age 5 to 12. They all love him." The crowd played a part too, getting into the act and into costume. Some young fans who also dressed as their favorite wrestler. "It really was a very family friendly event," Nelms said. "It was great, we had 460 people. It was really geared toward families and I really think we'll be doing it again next year." Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of the Rotary Club of Forked River and the Lacey High School Interact Club. "The kids were very excited about the event and we had a nice local connection to wrestling with our hometown wrestler," Interact Club advisor Bunny McGauley said. McGauley said the Interact Club, which is the youth level of the Rotary Club, provided around 30 members to assistwith the setup, cleanup and other aspects of the wrestling match. "It went very well," she said. Event coordinator Bruce Halliday, who serves as director-at-large, said the Rotary and Interact Clubs raised nearly $10,000 through the event. Halliday credited fellow Rotarians Erin Davis and Lori Aceto and thanked the Interact Club, who also manned concession stands at the event. "It ran very smooth," he said. "It was the first Rotary/Interact event where we split the ticket sales. We had more than 245 people and the kids were going nuts." Forked River Rotary Club President Kenneth Flatt said he was pleased with the turnout and execution of the event. The wrestling event will help generate funds for the group's varied projects and programs, he said. The Forked River Rotary Club recently participated in the scholarship program at Lacey High School. Flatt also presented a $9,000 check on behalf of the club to Ocean Township Mayor Daniel Van Pelt. The check went toward a pavilion restoration project in Waretown. The club also paid for new outside exercise machines that were installed in the spring at Gille Park. The club will have its installation dinner on Saturday at Captain's Inn, Forked River.