The auto community rallied together Sunday morning support the family of Tyrone “Ty” Woods, one of two former Navy SEALS killed in the September 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Dozens gathered at JBA Auto Shop in Kearny Mesa to remember Woods, in a sport that he loved to do.
"Ty was basically a sports driver. He loved going to the track, competing. He was a very competitive guy", said J.Bittle, owner of JBA Auto Shop.
But Saturday’s fundraiser was meant to support the true legacy Woods leaves behind: his beloved four-month-old son, Kai.
"When they told me they wanted me to be Kai's godfather. I was trying to figure out what I was supposed to do with that responsibility," said best friend, Matt Grenfell.
Grenfell was one of Woods’ best "civilian" friends, as Ty would call him.
Grenfell felt that he needed to find a way to give Kai everything he needed to grow up the way his dad would have wanted.
"You see a lot of Ty in Kai. He's a very happy baby, always has a smile on his face. A lot of his features are just like Ty. I think Ty's wife looks at Kai and sees Ty in her son," said Grenfell.
For Kai, Saturday's event already proves that he will have many mentors in his life. They will be there to help him grow and teach him who his dad was, a true hero.
"He'll know all about his father. I think that's important that his son knows what Ty believed in. He believed in this country, hard work and being strong mentally," said Grenfell.
Already, supporters have raised $450,000 for little Kai’s fund. If you would like to contribute, click here.
