GENEVA — Football has been a part of Donny Woodward’s entire high school experience.
Behind every drive, every throw and every catch; at every practice, every winning game and every losing game — was SS. John and Paul High School assistant football coach John “Buzz” Buskirk.
“My son and his teammates bonded with John Buskirk,” mother Cheryl Woodward said. “He was such a part of their lives. He gave my son the confidence to play the game.”
Buskirk’s players, their mothers and the staff and students at SS. John and Paul High School and Assumption School, as well as the parishioners at Assumption Church, will host a benefit pasta dinner to help pay for Buskirk’s medical bills.
Buskirk, 33, died Jan. 10 after fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia for four years. He leaves behind wife Jessica.
“John and Jessica went through such a hardship in their short but wonderful marriage,” Cheryl Woodward said. “We planned this benefit before John died to help with the medical bills. We never thought we would have to have it after his funeral.”
The penne pasta dinner will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Assumption Parish Hall, off West Main Street in Geneva. The meal includes pasta, two meatballs, salad, and a roll with butter. Homemade desserts were donated by the Assumption Altar and Rosary Society.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door or pre-sale at SS. John and Paul High School, Assumption School or the Assumption Church Rectory. Takeout meals will be available.
The event will include a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction. Auction items were collected by SS. John and Paul parents and staff. Football players and coaches will serve the meals. The event was co-coordinated by Janice Brown, mother of Herald Jeremy Brown.
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