AUBURN - Martin Short Sr. was a rare breed among men.
Even two days before losing his battle with cancer last January, Martin was worried about how he would load his UPS truck so he could make deliveries to his customers.
Sarah Polhamus said her husband worked 15 hour days, putting in the extra work for his customers no matter what they needed.
The community came together Sunday night at Auburn's Ukrainian National Club to show their support for a man who was always willing to do anything for his family, friends and community.
Art Wenzel, the master of ceremonies, said the community showed up to put the event on with door prizes, auction and raffle items donated by local businesses. And with more than $1,300 raised in the 50-50 raffle, the community really showed how much they cared, Wenzel said.
“We are grateful for whatever we can get,” said Marie Fiore, Martin's ex-wife, who helped plan the event. “I cared about him, he was my son's father. I wanted to do something for him, his family and his kids to let him know there were people who cared and that he didn't have to worry as much.”
The event was busy with people dancing to the band Bob Piorun and the Convertibles, Wenzel calling out names for various prizes, and people enjoying dinner or scouting out what auction items they would be interested in bidding for.
“We got some big ticket items,” Wenzel said. “We are going to get people to bid against each other and have some fun.”
Wenzel was not kidding. When he started the auction, several couples got into bidding wars for items such as a one-night stay at Bonnie Castle in the Thousand Islands or an overnight stay at the Springside Inn.
Several items would end up selling for more than $100, with all of the proceeds going to pay Martin's medical expenses.
Martin and his family were caught off guard when he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer last October after going to the doctor with a stomach ache.
“Anything helps at this point,” Sarah said, about the proceeds from the event. “We are just grateful to be getting this kind of support.”
While some community members gave their support financially and others by donating their time or gifts, Bob Piorun volunteered his band.
“Wenzel gave me a call and asked ‘do you want to do this?' and I said yes,” Piorun said as he recounted how he got involved. “I really enjoy helping people out. It would of been nice to have played for (Martin) but it's nice to help his family out.”
Sarah and the rest of Martin's family were thankful for the support they received from the community.
“I would like to thank everybody who donated prizes, who helped to put the benefit together, family and friends and everybody who showed up,” Sarah said.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 248 or nate.robson@lee.net
Sarah Polhamus said her husband worked 15 hour days, putting in the extra work for his customers no matter what they needed.
The community came together Sunday night at Auburn's Ukrainian National Club to show their support for a man who was always willing to do anything for his family, friends and community.
Art Wenzel, the master of ceremonies, said the community showed up to put the event on with door prizes, auction and raffle items donated by local businesses. And with more than $1,300 raised in the 50-50 raffle, the community really showed how much they cared, Wenzel said.
“We are grateful for whatever we can get,” said Marie Fiore, Martin's ex-wife, who helped plan the event. “I cared about him, he was my son's father. I wanted to do something for him, his family and his kids to let him know there were people who cared and that he didn't have to worry as much.”
The event was busy with people dancing to the band Bob Piorun and the Convertibles, Wenzel calling out names for various prizes, and people enjoying dinner or scouting out what auction items they would be interested in bidding for.
“We got some big ticket items,” Wenzel said. “We are going to get people to bid against each other and have some fun.”
Wenzel was not kidding. When he started the auction, several couples got into bidding wars for items such as a one-night stay at Bonnie Castle in the Thousand Islands or an overnight stay at the Springside Inn.
Several items would end up selling for more than $100, with all of the proceeds going to pay Martin's medical expenses.
Martin and his family were caught off guard when he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer last October after going to the doctor with a stomach ache.
“Anything helps at this point,” Sarah said, about the proceeds from the event. “We are just grateful to be getting this kind of support.”
While some community members gave their support financially and others by donating their time or gifts, Bob Piorun volunteered his band.
“Wenzel gave me a call and asked ‘do you want to do this?' and I said yes,” Piorun said as he recounted how he got involved. “I really enjoy helping people out. It would of been nice to have played for (Martin) but it's nice to help his family out.”
Sarah and the rest of Martin's family were thankful for the support they received from the community.
“I would like to thank everybody who donated prizes, who helped to put the benefit together, family and friends and everybody who showed up,” Sarah said.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 248 or nate.robson@lee.net