Dinner and auction to benefit local family devastated by fire.
Danielle Wagers hopes to organize the biggest benefit Holmes County has ever seen. With the support of local businesses, the community, and one national celebrity, she’s well on her way to her goal.Wagers, her brother Ryan Wengerd and their mother Cindy Wengerd, all of Millersburg, understood the need to support Rick and Kristen Holskey, victims of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of their two children, Aaron, five, and Brenda, three, as well as a close family friend, Linzy Guerin,18, two days before Christmas. Wagers hopes to ease the Holskeys’ pain and help them get back on their feet.
“They have to rebuild their lives. It’s a huge loss,” said Wagers.
Danielle Wagers is responding to that loss by organizing a benefit dinner and auction at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Millersburg American Legion. All proceeds will go the the Holskey family.
The benefit will begin with a baked potato bar from 5-7 p.m.
“For $6, or $3 for children, you’ll get a big baked potato and almost any topping you want,” Wagers said. “We’ll have chili, salsa, cheese, broccoli, pulled pork and more. Pulled pork sandwiches will also be available.” The pork, which has been donated, will be roasted on-site. The potatoes and toppings have also been donated by local business and individuals.
Wagers said the community has been supportive.
“A lot of people have come forward to help, which is awesome.”
Part of that support has come in the form of donations for the auction that will take place promptly at 7 p.m. Local businesses have offered a variety of items from oak bookcases to name-brand jewelry as well as gift certificates for goods, services and local restaurants. One business is offering 60% of the proceeds from the sales of their top-selling scented lotions and soaps. Those interested in the products can contact Wagers.
“I will be taking orders through January 20th, and the items will be available in early February.”
One donation that Wagers is excited about is coming from the Kasey Kahne Foundation. Kahne, a NASCAR driver and owner of the Kasey Kahne Racing Team, created the foundation as a way to give back to the community.
“We’re donating a 1:3 scale replica mini-helmet signed by Kasey Kahne,” said a representative from the foundation. “The tragedy the Holskey family is experiencing is unthinkable. We hope our donation will help them face this horrible burden and begin to build a new future."
The Kahne donation has been a boost to Danielle Wagers’ confidence in the project.
“I was very excited when I found out. We’re big Kasey Kahne fans,” said Wagers, who hosts a facebook page called Kids Sale in Clark Ohio where she posts updates about donated items.
Wagers is hoping for a large turnout for the event.
“I would love if everyone in Holmes County would come. I’m hoping 300 people or more.”
Wagers also welcomes workers to make the event a success. “We’ll need people to set up the night before, serve food, and assist with the auction.” Wagers said there will be an auctioneer to assure that the sale runs smoothly.
Donations of both food and auction items are still being accepted.
Those who would like to assist with the event or donate can contact Danielle Wagers at 330-473-7521 or Ryan Wengerd at 330-473-8891.