Wife donates basketball court to Board of DD to honor Aaron Kaufman
Jessica Kaufman cuts the ribbon officially opening the new outdoor basketball court area at the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Kaufman donated to have the court built there to honor her late husband Aaron Kaufman, who passed away last year.
Jessica Kaufman knew she wanted to honor her late husband Aaron Kaufman in some way, and she felt good about making that donation connected to the Holmes County Board of Developmentally Disabilities, but exactly what that donation might look like was undecided.
By connecting with the Board of DD staff, Kaufman sought their insight and input as to how a donation could best be utilized, and what resulted was a donation that should serve both the center and the community for many decades, coming in the form of a new community outdoor basketball court.
The idea for a basketball court began to formulate in fall 2020. That was when Jessica Kaufman reached out to the Holmes Board of DD because she was interested in making a donation in honor of her husband, Aaron Kaufman, who passed away last year. Kaufman wanted the donation to be something that would be long lasting and sports related because of her husband’s love of sports.
“My staff and I tossed around a few ideas of how to put Jessica’s donation to use and came up with three options for her to choose from,” said Marianne Mader, Board of DD superintendent. “We were elated that our longshot suggestion of an outdoor basketball court was selected. Aaron always felt that what we do here is very important, and they wanted to support us.”
That all led to the dedication ceremony that took place Friday, June 11 at the court that resides next to the playground behind the Board of DD building south of Holmesville, where a number of Board of DD staff, students, and family and friends of the Kaufmans gathered to celebrate and remember. In addition to the Kaufman donation, the Holmes County Association for Handicapped Citizens helped with the excavation.
“Today is not just about a basketball court,” Mader said during the ceremony. “It’s important that we take time to shine some light on Aaron Kaufman and his character. Jessica has shared with me that Aaron was passionate about athletics: playing, coaching and watching. He believed that sports taught leadership skills, teamwork and commitment. Aaron was always teaching and nurturing these qualities because he believed they not only were a benefit to the individual, but to the greater community as well. He understood the value of learning and wanted to provide as many opportunities as he could for the youth of Holmes County. This basketball court is yet another opportunity he has provided. Today, we present the Aaron Kaufman Memorial Basketball Court.”
With those words the ribbon was officially cut to welcome the court into the pantheon of Board of DD facilities. Jessica Kaufman and other family members joined in the ribbon cutting and welcomed the newest addition to honor Aaron Kaufman and everything he meant to the community.
What may have caught family and friends off guard was the Board of DD decided to further honor Kaufman by officially naming the facility the Aaron Kaufman Memorial Basketball Court.
Mader drew attention to several features of the basketball court.
In the northwest corner, the number 88 is painted in white. Kaufman was not only a beloved teacher, administrator and coach at West Holmes High School, but also a fantastic athlete there during his own school days.
“At Jessica’s request we have included Aaron’s football number,” Mader said. “Also, this basketball hoop is pretty amazing. The height of the basket is adjustable. It can be brought down as low as 5 feet so youngsters and those who use a wheelchair can experience success on this court.”
To kick things off, some members of the Holmes County Bucks basketball team enjoyed a chance to break in the court and hoop by demonstrating their skills.
The court adds yet another addition to the family-friendly area behind the Board of DD facility. In addition to the cement court, there is a handicap-friendly playground area with all kinds of activities, a walking and biking trail, and a pavilion and softball field where volleyball nets can be set up if desired.
What many people may not know is this entire area is open to the public 24/7, making it an ideal place for family gatherings, picnics or a day with the kids or grandchildren.
“This was created through community donations, and the community is welcome to use it any time,” Mader said.
She said more than $300,000 donated by the community helped provide funds for the playground. “It’s open to our community to enjoy as a community resource, and it’s all free,” she said.