Fundraiser in the Memory of #22
by Anthony Calacino (Managing Editor)
The tables were practically overflowing with items. Everything from sports gear, to signed guitars adorned the tables. To an outsider, this might look like a simple fundraiser for the school booster club, but ask anyone roaming the halls at PHS, and it was more than just a silent auction. The money raised went to a student or two as a scholarship. However, the meaning is deeper too. His picture, #22, rested on the table as well. It’s a picture of Gabe Hellman, who would have been a senior this year, despite a tragic fishing accident during the summer.
Usually, this story is not talked about around the halls too much. However tonight, the basketball game going on just feet away from the fundraiser is a safe haven for remembering an old friend. Hellman’s parents, both teachers at Palisade, wanted to do something to make the passing of their son not such a dark area.
“This will hopefully give a kid or two each year a scholarship, because I know the Hellman family wanted to do something positive in Gabe’s name, and this was the best Idea we could come up with,” said teacher Glenn Fitzgibbons, who organized the silent auction.
This basketball game might have been a huge rivalry, but the players were not completely consumed with the game. Before the varsity game, senior Caleb Hall, crying, gave a hug to Gabe’s Father, teacher Steve Hellman on the court. Although most of the action was on the court, the real story was just outside the gym.
“What I expected, I was thinking only 20 items, but I now have 70 items. I was thinking about $2000, but it might be $5,000; it exceeded all of my expectations,” said Fitzgibbons.
The scholarship is going to a male or female basketball or baseball player this year. The students selected will be honored with the Gabe Hellman Memorial Scholarship Fund. However, for many, just being able to see their friend remembered by so many for one night was better than any scholarship.
