The Tilton Toe-to-Tow 5k & Car Show was created by Ryan Washkowiak who was only, close friend Greg Phillips, and cousin Scott Mitchell together developed and began planning what would become the Tilton Toe-to-Tow 5K & Car Show to raise money for the Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL.

The whole idea sparked after Washkowiak lost two loved ones to lung cancer within a one-and-a-half year time span. His maternal grandmother, Judith Briggs, passed away in July 2014. Then his aunt, Kara Boyer, lost her short battle in December 2015. Kara enjoyed the love of owning and caring for horses, riding motorcycles and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved being outside camping, mushroom hunting and fishing. Kara began her treatments at the cancer center with Dr. Jomel Labayog, the center's medical director, along with Dr. Jaidev Soni, a radiation oncologist. Kara enjoyed the entire staff at the local cancer center who always went above and beyond the call of duty.

An avid runner, he hatched an idea to hold a fun run and walk and donate the proceeds to the center where his aunt was treated. After getting support from his uncle, Brian Carnaghi of Carnaghi Towing, Mayor David Phillips, and others, he launched the Toe-to-Tow 5K walk and run at the Tilton ballpark on Aug. 20, 2016.

The inaugural event drew about 80 participants, who crossed the finish line under a banner flown from two semitrailer tow trucks and raised $4,533 for the center.

In 2017, the event fell on Aug. 19. Although there were a number of community events and activities going on, it still drew about 80 runners and walkers, from 2 to 78 years old. A car show was added to the event line-up with the help of his god parents Fred and Michelle Burks of Burks Automotive in Westville.

In addition to donating money to the cancer center, Washkowiak also established two, $250 scholarship for graduating seniors at Danville High School in his aunt's memory. Come December you think Washkowiak and his team would enjoy their off season, however that is not the case! In 2017, Washkowiak created the Tilton Toe-to-Tow Charity Toy Drive for families in Vermilion County.

Washkowiak is a 2017 graduate of Danville High School and a 2019 graduate of Danville Area Community College where he earned his associate degree in business administration and plans to transfer to Indiana State University and earn his bachelor's degree in business administration.

To date, Washkowiak and his staff have donated a grand total of $21,373.93 to the Bobette Steely-Hegeler Cancer Center. This year event is scheduled on August 17, 2019 at the Tilton Ball Park!