Community Comes Together For Local Businessman “Fish” Eveland
Locals filled the center court at Penn Central Mall in support of "Fish" Eveland
Tyler Sash may be just about to start his professional career, but he’s not so busy looking forward that he has forgotten where he came from.
On Friday April 15, 2011 what looked like an entire town, nearly 2,500 people, came out to the Penn Central Mall from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to attend the benefit to support “Fish” Eveland. The people of this town demonstrated why we are a community.
Along with Tyler Sash, Iowa State standouts Austen Arnaud and Michael O’Connell were on hand to sign autographs to help raise money for Fish.
Besides the celebrities on hand, there was a silent auction that had items from other celebrities and local businesses. True Value, R J Performance, The UNI Football Team, ISU Team Captains, Michael O’Connell, Tyler Sash, Austen Arnaud, UNI Basketball Team, The fifteen time NHRA Drag Racing Champ John Force, KC Chief Tony Moeaki, Indianapolis Colt Pat Angerer, Adrian Clayborn, Zach Johnson, Fred Hoiberg, Shawn Johnson, 2008 Beijing Gymnastics Team USA, Kyle Korver, Coach Rhoads, Coach Ferentz and Ricky Stanzi all donated items for the silent auction.
Tyler Sash donated his time to help a local resident raise funds for his medical expenses
“It was just an opportunity to come back and give back to my community, help out a great cause and a great person in Fish Eveland.” Sash said Friday while signing autographs. The line of fans, waiting for their autographs, extended to the far hallway past the Spirit Store and towards Curves. Those in line had bought a $10.00 ticket and waited, not only to meet a local that was giving back, but for themselves, to give back to a community member that has been described as an “icon”.
Bryan Latchaw helped to coordinate the event with Sash, and also with Patti Ryan of Penn Central Mall. Latchaw said that Ryan and the mall deserve a huge amount of thanks for donating the location, and having things set up and ready to go.Latchaw also wanted to make sure to give a huge thanks to Sash, Arnaud and O’Connell. Not only with their time and energy to come to Oskaloosa, but with their connections, being able to bring even more for the silent auction and auction.
An example of some of the items donated to auction off was a signed jersey which raised $575.00 for the cause. Although there was no dollar amount goal for the event, when the evening came to a close the event had raised $18,000 for Eveland and his increasing medical bills.
I think the event speaks volume for itself, a community, and those that call it home.
