Big names highlight Wrightman fundraiser on May 31

Tim Wrightman hopes to put some “fun” into fundraising this month to help local student athletes. 

 The former professional football player is hosting a dinner and auction May 31 at his Lazy Bear Ranch near Weiser to benefit the Tim Wrightman Foundation. 

 Wrightman said the foundation is transitioning away from the football camps it has hosted in previous years, but still wants to help young people in the Treasure Valley. 

 Proceeds from the evening event will fund scholarships for outstanding high school student athletes preparing to take the next step in their academic journey. And it should be a great night out, Wrightman said.

 “I’ve always said if I ever had a foundation and we do fundraisers, we’re going to have fun and we’re going to give something back,” he said. 

 The event features a pair of notable guest speakers – Fox and Friends First co-host Todd Piro and NFL Hall of Fame tight-end Dave Casper.

 Wrightman considers both friends. He and Piro attended UCLA and “commiserate over the fate” of the school’s football program. 

 Wrightman starred for the Bruins at tight-end from 1978 to 1981. At that time, Casper had already won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders.

 “He was who I wanted to be,” Wrightman said. “I’ve become friends with my high school hero.”

 After the speeches, Weiser’s resident golf icon, Joe Malay, will host the auction. Attendees can bid on four tickets to tour the Fox News studios in New York as well as a Lazy Bear pheasant hunt and other prizes. 

 Tickets are still available. Cocktails will be served at 5:30, followed by a dinner of prime rib or salmon.