OUR MISSION
The Y-noT Project is a non-profit organization
honoring Tony Borcia
dedicated to stopping intoxicated boaters, and providing financial assistance to victims of intoxicated boaters and other motorists.
About The Y-noT Project:
The Y-noT Project organization was formed by Tony Borcia’s family and friends. It seeks to end intoxicated boating tragedies. The Y-noT Project is not an anti-drinking and boating campaign, but instead encourages safe, responsible boating.
Our Story:
Tony Borcia was 10 years old when he went tubing with his father and siblings on the
Chain O’ Lakes on July 28, 2012. Tony was having the time of his life until he fell off the tube. Before his father could pick him up, he was hit by a large boat despite wearing a bright red lifejacket and waving his arms. The man who hit Tony has been convicted of operating his boat under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. The tragedy of Tony’s death may have been prevented if the driver had been stopped by the police when he was seen by witnesses hours earlier driving his boat erratically and recklessly. Unfortunately, patrols on the Chain O’ Lakes have been drastically reduced because of budget cuts.
Driving a boat is one of last places where it is still socially acceptable to drink and drive. It is so prevalent that many homeowners on the Chain O’ Lakes will not let their children in the water on the weekends. (We unfortunately did not know this until after Tony’s death.)
The Y-noT Project seeks to change this culture and make our lakes and rivers safe again. We believe this will actually increase the use of our lakes and rivers and consequently, increase the revenue to the businesses that surround the lakes and rivers.
NEWS
2022 Wiffle Ball Tournament
We got it in! Despite a 2-hour rain delay, spirits were not dampened and we played all games. The raffle and silent auction also went on as planned, and we all had a great day. And we raised almost $60,000!Here are the tournament results:
Division Champions:
- Elementary - Wiffle Cats
- Middle School - Dingers
- Junior High - Get A Wiff Of This!
- High School - Pickle Sensei
- Adults- The Flaming Pears
- Family - Team Boo
- Elementary - Vinnie Childs
- Middle School - Peyton Dane
- Junior High - Tyler Creel
- High School - Aidan Muehling
- Adults- D. Holmes
- Family - James Combs
Top Fundraising Team by Division:
- Elementary - Ville Dogs $1,025
- Middle School - The Dingers $675
- Junior High - Team Dumpster $450
- High School - Dawgs $1,000
- Adults - KM Dinger Dynasty $850
- Family - Cousin Crew $1,170
Congratulations to all the winners!
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Wiffle Ball Tournaments in the past, and who have supported us through the years.
Tony's Law
As a result of the Y-noT Project's advocacy and in honor of Tony, several new laws went into effect beginning in 2014 in Illinois designed to improve boating safety and enhance enforcement of existing laws:- Boaters must fly orange flags to warn other boaters that they are towing skiers or tubers
- Law enforcement may seize the boat under certain egregious circumstances, including a third OUI conviction or if the boater, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, was involved in an accident causing death or serious injury
- Boaters born on or after January 1, 1991 must obtain Boating Safety Certificates before operating a boat with more than 10 hp, and boat renters who do not have such a certificate must complete a boating safety course
- Boaters involved in accidents resulting in death or serious injury must submit to alcohol and drug testing