Ceremonies Saturday to Remember Tony Borcia

The Libertyville community will come together once again on Saturday to remember Tony Borcia—this time at the field where he once hit a home run.

Two ceremonies, one right after the other, will be focused on the Butterfield School student who was killed in a boating accident last year. During the first ceremony, the Libertyville Little League organization will dedicate its 2013 season to Tony who played with the organization. Then, a special "Healing Garden" will be dedicated in Tony's memory.

Both events will take place at Butler Lake Park.

"It should be a really beautiful morning," said Molly Bacilek, who has been coordinating the "Healing Garden" with the Borcia family and Bill Bennett of Libertyville Little League.

The first ceremony will start at 10 a.m., said Seth Holzwarth, vice president and player agent for Libertyville Little League. Saturday officially marks the organization's opening day for this year, and the season will be dedicated to Tony. All players' uniforms will also feature Tony's initials on the sleeve.

The "Healing Garden" ceremony will follow at about 10:20 a.m., said Bacilek. The garden features a bench, a plaque with an inscription written by Tony's family, a flagpole and landscaping. Libertyville District 70 schools and the Adventure Guides organization both raised money for the project.

During the ceremony, each of the District 70 schools, along with Libertyville High School, Rondout District 72 and Oak Grove District 68, will release a dove to celebrate Tony's life.

Bacilek said Tony's family will also talk about the Y-noT Project, a non-profit organization formed by Tony's family that is "dedicated to stopping intoxicated boaters," according to the organization's website.