Warrior pride

As those close to the William and Cordell Page family continue to grieve over the loss of a life taken too soon, many continue to ask, "What can I do to help?"

Then there are those who know exactly how to extend their hand, and do so in a way that has left Montoursville and surrounding communities in awe.

Alec Minnick, a student at Montoursville Area High School, knew after this tragedy occurred a few weeks ago that it was time to step into action and help the Page family.

On Jan. 25, the Page brothers were involved in a vehicle crash that claimed the life of Cordell and seriously injured William.

Minnick works part time at Hoss's Steak and Sea House, so when his friend came up with an idea to hold a benefit night - which are frequently held at the restaurant - Minnick knew that this was the way to help.

"I remember the day after the accident, my friends and I were sitting in the library, totally speechless. We all wanted to help, but we felt so defenseless. Then, my friend, Ryan Miller, had the idea for this benefit, and I jumped right on it. I am happy and proud that I'm able to help," Minnick stated.

Fundraisers like that usually take weeks of preparation, but these determined students brought the whole thing together in just five days. The event was held Feb. 4 and 5. Participants were given tickets to present to Hoss's staff, and 20 percent of their total bill would be donated to the Page family.

On the first night of the event, the line of people waiting to be seated stretched out the door. Many waited as long as one hour to be seated, but no one seemed to mind.

Time was taken to visit with loved ones, friends and fellow community members.

The restaurant staff provided those waiting with trays of light hors d'oeuvres.

Minnick was not expecting the large number of people who turned out.

"I was expecting a lot, but not nearly as many as we had! Who would have thought we would have a line out the door, halfway down the parking lot?" he said.

The record numbers didn't stop there. According to Robin Holtzman, a Hoss's employee, this benefit was the largest ever held at that location. The corporate company stated that they are "very pleased that the community Hoss's was able to help."

Holtzman was one of the hors d'oeuvres servers, and stated that in all her years of working at the restaurant, she had never seen a more docile line of people.

"Everyone waited in line with such a wonderful attitude, and displayed patience, kindness and generosity. It's been a long time since I've seen that," Holtzman said.

That patience continued even as people were seated and served.

There was a concern that the restaurant would run out of food, as extraordinary numbers filed in.

However, while food remained in plentiful supply, Holtzman stated that the problem was with the short supply of dishes and glasses, which had to keep being collected, washed and re-served more frequently than normal.

"A normal fundraiser generates about $500 to $1,500 for the company," Holtzman said. "This fundraiser generated $20,000."

This number astonished Minnick.

"We really didn't have a monetary goal, even if we only received a few dollars, it would have been some kind of help to the Page family, but of course our hopes were for a much higher turnout!"

A higher turnout is certainly what happened. Between the $1,285 received in the donation jar, and the $4,785 from the checks, the total donation made to the Page family was $6,070.

T-shirts also were sold for $12 to benefit the family. The shirt stated "once a warrior, always a warrior," and "we love you Will and Cordell."

The number of people served was estimated to be 1,880.

"We've never been so busy at one time," waitress Nancy Winner stated. Winner has been employed at the Loyalsock Township Hoss's since its grand opening. "You're running around getting all tired, and all of a sudden you see what's happening and get all choked up. It's such a neat thing."

"I am very proud of our community for sticking together through this tragedy. We were able to keep each other strong through one of the most brutal weeks of my life. I remember so many people being excited and joyful about the upcoming benefits in a time of sadness and despair. I just want to thank Mr. Rich DeLong, Robin Holtzman, Jill Barnes and everybody else who lent their time and support to this cause. Keep the Page family in your thoughts," Minnick said.

Holtzman found this request easy to accomplish when she recently received a call from a Kingston laundry service.

The man told Holtzman that he had found a wrestling medal as he was working. It was from the region, and he was almost "100 percent sure" it belonged to Will or Cordell Page.

The man told Holtzman he knew the pain of the Page family, as he had recently lost two of his sons, and wanted to return the medal.

Up until the point of turning on his television and seeing information about the benefit, he had no means to communicate with the family.

So, he enclosed a letter with the medal, and mailed it to Hoss's. The package is en route to the family, Holtzman said.

"I just get goosebumps every time I tell this story," Holtzman said. "This whole situation has proved to me that there are still good people out there who will come alongside strangers and help them."

Hoss's corporate office also wanted to "extend thanks to the community. We were honored to be a part of this cause and help the family."

"This is the worst thing a community can go through," said Montoursville Area High School principal Dan Taormina. "To see how students and families are responding is amazing, really positive. It is appreciated very much by the school."

"Once a warrior, always a warrior" - how true that statement is, indeed.

Arnold, a student at Lock Haven University, is a 2008 graduate of Montoursville Area High School. She is news editor of the Eagle Eye university newspaper.