KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Communities come out to support family of Drew Swank

Communities come out to support family of Drew Swank

WASHTUCNA, Wash. - Tuesday night three communities joined together to help a family.  People from Washtucna, LaCrosse and Kahlotus held a benefit dinner to show support and raise money for Drew Swank's family.

Swank was the Valley Christian football player who died after he suffered a serious head injury in a football game against LaCrosse-Washtucna on September 25th.

The communities of Washtucna, LaCrosse and Kahlotus said they wanted to do something that showed how much they care for Valley Christian school and the Swank family, so they did what they do best, feed people.

They had enough food to feed 400 people at the benefit dinner and almost all the food was donated.   Those attending filled a canister with donations.

Judy Schafer was the head cook and she said these small communities care for each other and are there for each other during the good and the bad and they wanted to make sure the Swank family knows they care.

"We were all at that game, we were there when it happened," said Schafer. "We know except for the grace of God it could be us, so we as a community want to share the sorrow and just bolster up the Swank family and let them know how much we care."

Gary Wargo was one of more than 200 people who attended the benefit, he said they all feel for the Swank family. "Our entire community was saddened by what happened. We all have football players, I have two kids on the football team and when something like this, sad like this happens it effects all of us."

Drew Swank's uncle and aunt were at the benefit, his aunt is actually a Washtucna High School graduate.   His uncle told the people at the benefit, "From the bottom of my heart thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting (the family)."  They went on to thank everyone in all the communities for the support during this time.

Cindi DeHoog
Reporter
KHQ Television