A large check was presented to Andrew Hochstetler by the organizers of the event. In front from left are Courtney Jenkins; David Baker, uncle of Katie Hochstetler; Ashley Dillon; Andrew Hochstetler; Heather Desenberg; Deb Carpenter; and Allyson Damjanovic. In back are Jeff Ticknor, Mark Richards, Kris Woodard (hidden) and Sheriff Kyle Dukes. Photos provided by Ashley Dillon.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — “Unbelievable.” “Jammed packed.”

These are just a couple comments heard following Saturday night’s “Huddle Up For The Hochstetlers” event at The Owls Nest, North Webster. The event was a fundraiser to provide financial support to Katie and Andrew Hochstetler, as they travel through their journey of battling Katie’s stage 4 cervical cancer.

Early totals indicate an estimated $200,000 was raised from cash donations, auctions and raffle. Yet to be totaled are numerous gift cards that came pouring in for the family. The auctions alone raised more than $61,000.

Doors opened for the event at 5 p.m. with the evening kicking off at 6 p.m. But by 5:30 p.m. the parking lot was full and The Owls Nest was packed. Those attending were not just police officers, but the general community who came out in full force in support.

Sheriff Kyle Dukes, one member of the organizing committee, stated the evening included special moments. Several of the retired officers who worked with Andrew’s father, Kosciusko County Detective Sgt. Phil Hochestler, when he was killed in the line of duty on June 29, 1994. Those officers were able to have private conversations with Andrew during the evening.

The crowd continues to mingle after the auction.

Another special moment was the appearance of Katie, who viewed the evening from the kitchen area. She did make a special appearance during the evening when she and her husband thanked those present and made donations.

The Hochstetlers were moved at the support shown. After announcing that a check for $200,000 was being presented to the family, Andrew was brought to tears.

Helping raise the unexpected amount were the items donated to the online and live auctions that had people excited. There was something for everyone: pontoon rental, YMCA membership, a signed helmet from Peyton Manning, memorabilia from Indiana University, wine, rounds of golf, jewelry, bedding, mattress, reverse osmosis system, golf cart, Notre Dame v. Boston tickets on Nov. 19, Colts tickets, St. Thomas and other trips plus a lot more.

The winner of the 2022 Sylvan Mirage pontoon was Warsaw Police Officer Lucas Vanderhart. The winner of the $25,000 cash was Sandra Medina.

Metzger Auction handled the sale of items in the online and live auctions.