BY JEFF HORVATH
Times-Shamrock Writer
The Bonavita family was thankful for the support of their friends and neighbors. In the front row, from left are, Kyle Bonavita, Autumn Bonavita, Bridgett McIntyre, and Austin Bonavita. In the second row are Shannon Cobb, Patty Bonavita, Lindsay McIntyre, and Cheri Bonavita. Standing are Alex Bonavita, Stanley Bonavita, Jennifer Bonavita, and LR Goff. STAFF PHOTO/Jeff Horvath
It has long been said of the agricultural community that they support one another, and that was clear on Sunday, as hundreds of community members came out to the Elk Lake gym for a benefit in support of the Bonavita family.
The Bonavitas have experienced an unfortunate string of tragedies recently, with grandfather and family patriarch John Bonavita, and his daughter Lori Bonavita, passing away on the same day, Oct. 14, in separate incidents. Moreover, John’s son Chris Bonavita was recently diagnosed with cancer.
The Bonavita family is a strong one, but the timing of these incidents would put a strain, both emotional and financial, on any family. That’s why having the support of their Auburn Township friends and neighbors, plus that of others from the surrounding area, is invaluable.
That support showed up on Sunday, and not only in the form of people.
Kathy Rezykowski patronizes the bake sale at the Bonavita family benefit. STAFF PHOTO/Jeff Horvath
According to Michelle Kowalewski, who helped organize the benefit, close to 250 donations were made in the form of gift certificates, gift baskets, items for auction, baked goods, and food.
And while local businesses and community members were eager to support the Bonavitas, the idea for the benefit actually came from one of the family’s younger members.
Thirteen-year-old Kyle Bonavita initially came up with the idea for the benefit about a month ago, and after bouncing the idea off members of his 4-H club and starting a Facebook page, the local agricultural community quickly came on board.
Word spread quickly to local businesses and other members of the community, and shortly thereafter the Elk Lake School District volunteered the use of its facilities for the event.
That communal effort culminated on Sunday in an array of activities, including a basket raffle, ham dinner, gun auction, bake sale, silent auction, live auction, 50/50 drawing, and money-tree drawing, all in support of the Bonavita family.
“The ag community is very close knit,” Kowalewski said, “which something like this really proves. Farmers help farmers.”
John-Ann Farms, owned by the Bonavita family, is located only about five miles from Elk Lake, in an area known for its agriculture.
K’Ann Strohl, who relocated to the Lake Winola area several years ago, returned specifically for this event. “The Bonavita family is a staple of this community,” she said, “and everyone in the community is happy to support them.”
Lori Farley, whose children are members of the same 4-H club as many of the younger Bonavita kids, said that “farm families are family, even if they are not related.”
“We help each other,” she continued. “Helping a neighbor who is in need is just part of the way of life around here.”
Unsurprisingly, the Bonavitas, who were quite busy on Sunday circulating the gym to converse with and thank their friends and neighbors, appreciated all the support.
“My family and I have appreciated all the love and support that you have shown to us,” Kyle said in an address to the crowd. “You have really shown us how much you care, and we wouldn’t know what to do without you all.”
“We want to thank everyone who has helped make this benefit possible,” he concluded.
While it is only a coincidence that Sunday’s benefit falls during the Thanksgiving season, it serves as a testament to, and an embodiment of, all that the holiday represents.
So, when you settle around your table to give thanks on Thursday, remember to cherish family and friends, and be thankful for your network of support, regardless of what shape it may take.
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