There’s going to be a dinner on Sunday, May 3 to benefit Jesse Howe Sr. The Spaghetti Dinner Benefit begins at noon in Owego VFW Post 1371, 207 Main St., Owego. It’s $10 for the dinner, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing, an auction, and Chinese auction for attendees as well. The band Borderline will also be performing live during the benefit.
“I’ve been very impressed with the community response,” Jesse’s niece Becky Harper said. Harper has been busy organizing the dinner with help from the extended Howe family and friends, which is to raise funds for medical costs, transportation, and expenses while Howe battles pancreatic cancer.
Jesse Howe Jr. said his father was not one to ask for a handout, and would not ask himself. In fact, Howe said both he and his father are really private people, but with the diagnosis of cancer Howe said his father has not been able to work. With the loss of income and expenses from traveling to treatment for his cancer, Howe said the benefit was a group idea to help fill the gap.
Howe and Harper both shared fond memories of growing up with Jesse Howe Sr. Harper recalled learning to drive in a demolition derby car, using a block to reach the gas pedal. Howe’s son recalled working with his father for several years after graduating from high school. And the elder Howe has also left an impression on the greater Owego community.
“Many people have asked how they could help,” Howe Jr. said. With many donations coming in for the dinner, including spaghetti and sauce from Sam’s Club and salad and bread from the Olive Garden, Howe Jr. said he did not want their contributions to go unnoticed or without thanks.
“We greatly appreciate their donations,” he said.
Among those donating for the auction and dinner are Donoli’s Restaurant, Weaver Automotive, The Station Bar and Grill in Nichols, and Mike Nichols’ Garage.
“There’s been tons of stuff donated,” Harper said, “too much to list. It’s really been overwhelming.” Many people have also volunteered to work the dinner, including a team of “Flat Rats” who are going to cook the dinner, and several VFW members.
The spaghetti dinner is $10, with children five and under free. More information can be found on the Benefit for Jesse Howe Facebook page.
