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Wrestling Star Helps Raise Money for Family of Late Sheriff

Posted: Mar 14th 2007 By: CMBurnham

Bob DeSantis met the late Sheriff Gary Clark soon after he moved from Florida to Caldwell County.

DeSantis was shocked when he learned Clark died from cancer on Feb. 2. He knew he wanted to help, so DeSantis turned to what he knows best, wrestling.

DeSantis is president of Western Carolina Championship Wrestling. He recruited a legend of the Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling Organization, Nickla Roberts, aka Baby Doll, and up-and-coming star Donnie Parker, aka Timber.

The two attended the Antique and Collectible Show Saturday at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. They signed autographs and posed in pictures with fans and others wanting to support the Clark family.

?Gary was a well-loved man. It was a shock to all of us when he passed away,? DeSantis said. ?As a friend of the family, I wanted to do something, but something that would last longer than six months and keep the name out there.?

Saturday?s event raised about $275 at $5 an autograph. All of the proceeds from Saturday?s event are going into a trust fund set up for Clark?s two daughters, Megan, 14, and Michelle, 11.

The Western Carolina Championship Wrestling Organization will hold a similar event June 2 during an all-day wrestling classic show at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The Clark family wasn?t able to attend Saturday, but DeSantis, whose wife works with Clark?s wife, Kim, said the family was grateful for the event.

Baby Doll flew from Missouri to sign autographs for fans and help raise money. She said she enjoys meeting fans and performing in legends matches. It?s an extra bonus that the money goes toward a good cause, even if she doesn?t know the Clark family.

?For me, I have two daughters who are 14 and 16. I can?t help but think what a tragic loss this is for those girls to lose their dad all of a sudden and at that age,? Baby Doll said. ?I know they don?t know me, but I want to help out.?

Werner Tobler was surprised and excited to see Baby Doll. The last time Tobler saw her, he was attending a Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling match. That was more than 20 years ago, he said. Tobler, who drove from Virginia to attend the toy show, purchased nearly a dozen autographs for himself, family and friends.

?(Baby Doll) is a real interesting person. She?s super nice and friendly,? Tobler said. ?I think it?s nice they are out here for a good cause. That makes it even better that it?s going to a good cause.?