Community News
Fight the Fight: BenGil’s first 50/50 clothing line
Pete Visintin, founder of Fight the Fight, snaps a photo with his wife, Liz, before speaking at the Jim Duncan benefit.
If you have been locked in your closet for the last couple months, you may not have heard, but a new 50/50 clothing line has been founded right here in Gillespie. Local resident and manager of Ageless Fitness in Gillespie decided it was time to help out people in need.
In life, sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we can’t control it. What we can control is how we react to these tough situations and adversity. We can lie down and quit, or we can look up, get up, and never give up.
Fight the Fight is a clothing line in which 50% of all profits are donated to individuals who incur large, unexpected medical expenses. It was founded in August 2012 by Pete Visintin Jr. of Gillespie after his father, Pete Sr., was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2012.
Take a look at some of the answers Pete provided to us after a recent interview.
Why Fight the Fight?
Pete Jr. wanted to create something that would allow him to help out people financially when they need it the most. After seeing it first hand with his dad, he understands how fast medical bills can rack up to amounts that are simply unmanageable for some people. “No one ever thinks about the gas, food, co-pays and other expenses that it takes to get a patient to and from treatments,” Pete added.
After talking to Pete, that’s why he started the company. Since the launch, the website has grown into a huge platform for those who have overcome a serious medical condition to share their Survival Stories. “The outpouring of prayers and positive support that people receive after their Survival Stories are published is amazing and has grown quickly to a level that I would have never thought possible in such a short time span,” Pete said about the stories.
So the purpose of Fight the Fight has shifted from providing only financial support to those in need to not only continuing to provide that financial support, but also to give people a platform to share their stories of survival to give others who may be in a similar situation hope.
4 t-shirts are shown under the Fight the Fight banner.
What is the deal here?
“My goal is for Fight the Fight to become a nationally known brand,” Pete started. According to him, there are a lot of people that need a lot of help and support. He wanted to help as many as he can. Most of the sales will come from the internet, so Pete said the business has an opportunity to grow the business beyond the reach of our local geographic markets.
Making the company a for-profit 50/50 company gives Fight the Fight 2 major advantages over becoming a traditional non-profit. The first is speed. When people get diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer they need money and support fast. “Being a 50/50 allows us to donate to them right away without having to jump through any hoops,” Pete explained.
Second, by making the business a for-profit 50/50 we have the opportunity for it to grow to a size that will eventually require additional employees. Since the business is, and forever will be, headquartered in Gillespie, Pete hopes it could create jobs which would in turn stimulate the local economy as well.
“We are also very excited to announce that we are launching the ecommerce part of our brand. Starting today, customers will be able to purchase our clothing online via our website,” Pete added with a grin. You can shop by visiting their online store!
What is in the works?
Over the past month and a half, Pete has had the opportunity to speak at 3 local benefits and tell his story as well as make a donation from FTF. In the next few months, he hopes to have the opportunity to speak more. He also expects the online sales to help build our business large enough to have a constant stream of cash flow to donate to people who need it.
“Another one of our goals is to double our website traffic to create a larger platform for others’ to share their Survival Stories and receive support,” Pete explained. Beyond that, Pete’s vision is to grow the company into something like TOMS Shoes, which is another for-profit charity.
Trunk of your car, are you serious?
Pete started Fight the Fight by putting up a free website and selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car. He hopes his story will be one that gives people hope and helps people realize that anybody can build a business from the ground up. “Most entrepreneurs started with nothing but an idea and were willing to put in the effort to make that idea a reality,” Pete added. “I feel like this is what I am doing right now!”
Fight the Fight would love to connect with more people. To become more involved, email Fight the Fight at helpfightthefight@gmail.com with the words “subscribe me” in the subject line.
In the meantime, a Survivor Story is published each Thursday of someone who has overcome a serious medical condition. The stories get read by, and inspire, thousands of people from around the world to get through tough situations in their own lives. Pete added that you don’t have to be going through a tough time to be inspired by the stories. “In my opinion, they will help anyone live their life better and appreciate what a gift everyday is,” Pete closed.
To connect with Fight the Fight on social media, “like” their Facebook page for immediate updates, news, and other information. If you are tweetster, “follow” FTF on Twitter by clicking here!
“We want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us and helped to get us off the ground,” Pete concluded. “ We believe Fight the Fight has a big, bright future ahead, and we are thankful that so many of you have chosen to be part of it.”
Comments
FELONIES
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with residential burglary, burglary without causing damage, and criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a November 3 incident.
Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, is charged with two counts of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked, DUI/BAC 0.08, DUI, driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the limit, expired registration, disregarding a stop sign, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
John M. Molinar, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 2 incident.
TRAFFIC
Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Haidyn D. Branson, 25 of Hettick, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Asa M. Proctor, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Rodjai A. Johnson, 21 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
Amber L. Burgess, 45 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 23 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Jerry J. Wilson, 77 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shannon J. Ward, 44 of Modesto, is charged with improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an October 28 incident.
Blake D. Roberts, 28 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful use of cannabis/driver, and display plate attachment in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shota Gagelidze, 44 of Downers Grover, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 1 incident.
Christopher P. Smith, 39 of Chesterfield, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Chad C. Baumann, 54 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
David A. Rithe, 44 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driver failing to give notice of a crash, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed in connection with an October 29 incident.
Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Rocky Lyle Smith versus Rebecca Lee Smith
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Tyler Luke Semplowski of Peoria and Margaret Anne Moore of Gillespie
- Craig Charles Wicker and Cheryl A. Scroggins, both of Staunton
- Jacob William Feeley and Kaitlin Marie Moore, both of Plainview
- Peyton Scott Hudspeth and Macy Danielle Rhodes, both of Divernon
- Cody Stephen Bradley and Savannah Michelle Norris, both of Auburn
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to an animal call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld. Mandy V. Aldridge, 44 of Benld, was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Stormee M. Lyons, 32 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while using an electronic device.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Edgar Street in Eagarville. Tony L. Law, 58 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and expired registration.
An Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was out with a vehicle in the 300 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a subject in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a dispute in the 500 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Broadway Street. Seth E. Bruhn, 45 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a domestic battery in the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld. Devon W. Pulley, 18 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint. Kussandra D. Hildebrand, 30 of Benld, was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Crystal D. Bryant, 37 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Calcari Street in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass. Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for theft, and she was also issued a citation for criminal trespass.
An officer dispatched to Cedar Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Henry Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Alec T. Laughlin, 20 of Livingston, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a motorist assist.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to take a report of fraud in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was out in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Jackeline K. Hernandez-Montufar, 24 of Beardstown, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle in their driveway.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Madison Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was out on 5th Street and Locust Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was out on the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
