OVERLOOK - Tim Latsha and his son, Ian, of Trevorton, stood in the shadows of an office building at Northumberland County Airport Saturday and watched while hundreds of supporters participated in a unique fund-raising event sponsored by an organization known as "Boys and Their Toys."
The elder Latsha didn't need to say anything. What he was thinking was apparent in the expression on his face, an expression that told everyone he appreciates the concern of those who responded to help support, morally and financially, his 10-year-old son, who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.
Despite his illness, Ian, his head bare of hair because of chemo treatments, was able to attend. He was busy talking with others in attendance, thanking them for their prayers and support.
"It's a wonderful feeling," Tim Latsha said. "So many people showed they really care."
The success of the event was credited to Buddy Carl, of Paxinos, one of the organizers, and a large number of volunteers as well as vendors whose sales proceeds will help the Latshas meet expenses for Ian's treatments.
In an earlier news release, Carl said there was a lot of concern for the Latshas. The people's response to the fund-raising effort on Saturday would go a long way in helping meet hospital and therapy expenses for the young boy.
Plane rides for donations
Among the highlights of the day-long event were airplane rides by a network of pilots representing many sections of the nation. Carl hangars his own plane at Northumberland County Airport and made contact with other pilots who volunteered their time and aircrafts to participate in the fund-raising effort. People wanting to take a 20-minute air flights over the area were afforded the opportunity simply by making a donation to the Latsha fund. In addition, there was a small air show by a stunt plane earlier Saturday. Another event was a car show.
People, many with small children, were standing in line waiting to ride on seven varied types of aircraft. They didn't seem to mind the wait. Among the riders were Bill Marquardt and his son, Cole, of Mount Carmel. They were passengers in a a four-seat, single engine plane piloted by Virgil Vogel, of Selinsgrove airport. Marquardt is a paramedic with emergency responders in Mount Carmel. He and his son said they were very pleased with the opportunity to see a part of this area from the air.
The event began at 8 a.m. and, as the day wore on, the crowd grew.
Food of all kinds was available throughout the day. Specialties were home-made ice cream, pulled pork sandwiches and a chicken barbecue. A raffle was held and T-shirts with the "Boys and their Toys" logo were offered for sale.
In addition, a bounce slide was available for the youngsters.
Organizers hope the "Boys and their Toys" will become an annual fundraiser with a new benefactor named each year. They thanked the Northumberland County Airport Authority for use of the facility, the pilots and others for their making this year's event a reality.
"People have heart and they responded," one organizer said.