Libertyville Shows Support for Tony Borcia's Healing Garden

A huge crowd turned out to dedicate a "Healing Garden" in memory of 10-year-old Tony Borcia of Libertyville who died last year in a boating accident.

"It was a truly healing experience," said Molly Bacilek, who helped coordinate the "Healing Garden" with the Borcia family and Bill Bennett of the Libertyville Little League at Butler Lake Park. Tony loved playing sports, especially basketball and baseball. 

"The Healing Garden gives people a way to remember Tony, to let love grow again in the same field where Tony hit a home run last year," Bacilek said. 

The dedication ceremony took place on opening day for the Libertyville Little League on April 20. This season will be dedicated to Tony. All players' uniforms will also feature Tony's initials on the sleeve. 

The "Healing 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 all helped raised money for the project. 

During the ceremony, homing doves were released by school friends and family members in Tony's honor. The doves returned to their homes within 30 minutes, Bacilek said.

Tony's parents Jim and Margaret Borcia, and his sisters, Kaeleigh and Erin, attended the event. His brother Joe was out of state at a basketball tournament, Bacilek said.

She said the Healing Garden was truly collaborative effort between the Libertyville Little League, the Adventure Guides, local schools, Main Street Libertyville and the entire Libertyville community.

More than 200 people attended the event, Bacilek said. "They filled the outfield. The family is so appreciative of all the support."

They are paying that support forward. Tony's family and friends have created a foundation called the www.ynotproject.com, which is Tony's name spelled backwards. They aim to help end intoxicated boating tragedies. Their mission statement includes: "Y-noT have a designated boater" and "Y-noT report erratic boating."

The Borcia's are hosting a Wiffle Ball Tourney on Aug. 11 for kids through adults to support the Y-noT Project.

Jim Borcia commented on a previous Patch article that previewed the dedication ceremony, saying: "Thanks to all. Our family will never forget this beautiful day. Somewhere in heaven Tony is flashing his awesome smile. We are so fortunate to live in a community that loves and cares so deeply."