Winner pays it forward; Hose Teams, Inc. awards tournament winners and scholarship

On Wednesday, June 14, Owego Hose Team members gathered at Greg’s Auto Sales on Fifth Avenue in Owego to present a car, donated by Greg Kies, to one lucky raffle winner. The members also brought with them the trophy for the first place team from their recent golf tournament, as well as two checks that were presented to the two Owego Free Academy students awarded the Louis S. Kies and Chris Franz Memorial Scholarship.

The Owego Hose Teams, Inc., in partnership with the Marine Corps League, raffled off a 2007 Pontiac G6, courtesy of Greg’s Auto Sales of Owego, N.Y., to benefit a scholarship in memory of Louis S, Kies and Chris Franz, and the restoration of the Baker Fireman’s Fountain in the Village of Owego’s courthouse square. 

The winner of the car was Jake Sladish, who stated that he was surprised that he won, and didn’t believe it until he got the fifth phone call following the golf tournament on June 3, where the winner was announced.

Sladish, however, decided to pay it forward. The ticket, he explained, was given to him by his brother-in-law, John Gatto, owner of the Owego Pharmacy. When Sladish heard he won the car, he called Gatto and asked him if he knew anyone that needed a car. He did. Gatto’s son Johnny, who is living in Boston, was in need of a car – so Sladish is donating it back.

“He gave me the ticket, so I’m giving him the car,” said Sladish on Wednesday. 

Also gathered at Greg’s Auto Sales on Wednesday were students Jacob Zlinsky and Jessica Jones. The two were awarded the Louis S. Kies and Chris Franz Memorial Scholarships. The students split a $2,000 scholarship, each receiving $1,000.

Grayden Stanton was also at Greg’s Auto Sales on Wednesday. Stanton organized a contest at Owego Elementary School (OES) with 4th and 5th grade students who submitted drawings of the statue featuring a fireman holding a child. The winning drawing by Kaelyn Katchuk is featured on a t-shirt that is being sold at area events, The Goat Boy on Front Street, and Harris’ Diner on North Avenue to raise funds for the restoration.

According to John Loftus, firefighter and hose team member, the $60,000 funding needed for the fountain restoration project is getting close to being met. So far, the project has received $20,000 from the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation, $5,000 from the Fannie Hyde Foundation, and $8,000 from a portion of the recent golf tournament funds. 

Also, on Wednesday, the trophy for the first place team from the recent Memorial Golf Tournament was presented. The tournament team, comprised of Scott Sanyshyn, Dave Brink, Tim Rose and Josh Robinson, and sponsored by Blue Line Associates, was the overall winner. The June 3 golf tournament had 260 golfers and 33 volunteers. It was held at the Tioga Country Club.

To learn more about the Owego Hose Teams, Inc., you can visit www.owegohoseteams.com.