By: Alex Tekip | Royal Oak Review | Published February 22, 2016



CLAWSON — Those connected to the Clawson community have more than likely grown familiar with the phrase "#DougStrong" in the last month and a half.

The phrase has become a rallying cry for Clawson to honor Doug McKnight, a beloved teacher, coach, advisor and mentor at Clawson High who suffered a sudden heart attack in January. McKnight spent time in the ICU and was recently moved to the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. His speech and walking have improved and, according to a Facebook post from his wife, Jennifer, he is scheduled to come home on Feb. 23.

That day also happens to be the day the Clawson Champions Club, an organization that promotes activism and athleticism during the winter months, hosts "A Night for McKnight" at Clawson High School. The event takes place during the boys and girls varsity basketball games against Macomb Area Conference Silver Division rival St. Clair Shores South Lake. All proceeds benefit the McKnight family.

"The PTA’s from all levels have donated, the schools are behind us 100 percent," said Champions Club President and Founder Thomas Perry. "All the money raised that night goes directly to Coach McKnight’s family for whatever they need it for.”

Clawson clothing company Triple Thread sold #DougStrong shirts leading up to the week of the event. Anybody who wears their #DougStrong apparel to the games will receive free admission and a free door prize. There is a $5 admission charge for those without #DougStrong shirts.

Fundraising events scheduled to take place include: #DougStrong shirt sales, a tin can auction, a 50/50 raffle and $1 shoutouts. In addition, there will be a 3-point shooting contest and appearances by Star Wars characters, courtesy of Clawson's 501st legion.

Perry said Clawson's efforts in joining together to help the McKnight family shows the community lives by its motto: The Little City with a Big Heart.

"Whenever someone needs something or something happens in this close-knit community I guess, these are the great things that happen," he said. "It happens because you have people like Coach McKnight that have done so much for others that people don’t mind giving back to him. It always comes back to that small-town feeling.”

More information about a "A Night for McKnight" can be found by visiting its event pages on Facebook and allevents.in. Those who are unable to attend but still wish to donate are encouraged to do so through the #DougStrong GoFundMe page.

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