AUBURN - In an effort to move forward, family and friends of Mark Sanders looked back Sunday, with memories of the husband and father of five.
A jukebox filled the fund-raiser held at the Polish Falcons with music, while friendship did the rest.
“Dede (Sanders) needs a helping hand and I think she's going to get it here today,” said Pete Maywalt.
Maywalt was with Dede's husband, Mark, on July 10 when he drowned in Owasco Lake.
Sanders was riding on a jet ski when he lost his hat in the lake.
“Ten feet off shore, he loses his hat, circles the jet ski around and goes to reach for it and falls in,” Maywalt said.
Sanders had left the keys to the ski attached to his life jacket, which he was not wearing at the time, according to Maywalt.
Repeated attempts to rescue Sanders in the deep water were unsuccessful.
“I want to say I'm amazed and thankful to the people who showed up that day, particularly five young guys. These were just strangers, and they went in without thinking,” said Maywalt. “Mark was an avid boatsman but no swimmer, plus the east side is shallow - that's what we were used to,” he added.
The tragedy leaves Dede and children Natalie, 10 months, and Nicholas, 10, struggling financially.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support - Fleming Fire Departments 1 and 2 that organized this fund-raiser, and family and friends that have helped me through this whole deal,” said Dede Sanders.
Described as an expert mechanic who had just started a trucking venture, Sanders is also remembered as a devoted family man who took care of his own and other's.
“Mark was the first one to call when I was out of town to make sure my family was all right,” Maywalt said.
Local merchants contributed food and door prizes to Sunday's event.
“If there was nothing else that came of this, we're hoping this helps make people aware of boating safety,” said Dede Sanders.
“Dede (Sanders) needs a helping hand and I think she's going to get it here today,” said Pete Maywalt.
Maywalt was with Dede's husband, Mark, on July 10 when he drowned in Owasco Lake.
Sanders was riding on a jet ski when he lost his hat in the lake.
“Ten feet off shore, he loses his hat, circles the jet ski around and goes to reach for it and falls in,” Maywalt said.
Sanders had left the keys to the ski attached to his life jacket, which he was not wearing at the time, according to Maywalt.
Repeated attempts to rescue Sanders in the deep water were unsuccessful.
“I want to say I'm amazed and thankful to the people who showed up that day, particularly five young guys. These were just strangers, and they went in without thinking,” said Maywalt. “Mark was an avid boatsman but no swimmer, plus the east side is shallow - that's what we were used to,” he added.
The tragedy leaves Dede and children Natalie, 10 months, and Nicholas, 10, struggling financially.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support - Fleming Fire Departments 1 and 2 that organized this fund-raiser, and family and friends that have helped me through this whole deal,” said Dede Sanders.
Described as an expert mechanic who had just started a trucking venture, Sanders is also remembered as a devoted family man who took care of his own and other's.
“Mark was the first one to call when I was out of town to make sure my family was all right,” Maywalt said.
Local merchants contributed food and door prizes to Sunday's event.
“If there was nothing else that came of this, we're hoping this helps make people aware of boating safety,” said Dede Sanders.
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