Fundraiser planned to honor memory of drum line member

The first scholarship fundraiser in memory of Ben Stoll aims to keep his love of the drum line alive.

Phyllis Stoll, mother of the late drum line enthusiast, is organizing a “putt around” golf tournament on Jan. 23 to raise money for a band scholarship in her son’s name. Ben passed away in April 2019 in a rollover crash.

Stoll said Ben was one of the first members of Wapakoneta

High School’s Impulse Drum Line. He graduated in 2008.

“Even after he graduated he would go back and watch their competitions,” Stoll said.

“His love was the drum line, that’s why we called it the heartbeat scholarship.”

Ben was a fire fighter and had trained to become an EMT. He also taught CPR classes locally.

Those interested in the Jan. 23 tournament can sign up at the Wapakoneta V.F.W. on the day of the event at 1 p.m.; prizes and 50/50 drawings will be announced at 7:30 p.m. back at the VFW. Holes are themed to each business or organization and are located at the Alpha Cafe, American

Legion Post 330, Amvets Post 333, Anthony’s, Eagles Lodge 691, J Marie’s, Knights of Columbus, Side Rail, and VFW Post 8445.

Stoll said she participates in a similar event in Coldwater every year.

“We really just had fun doing it, we thought, the community already has helped us right after the accident,” Stoll said. “We kind of wanted to do something that was community oriented and give back to the businesses that helped us out.”

Though the pandemic initially gave her some pause. Stoll said the event would follow COVID-19 guidelines with participants spread out. Stoll reported strong interest from the community in participating.

“We are just thrilled, we are excited about this,” Stoll said.

She said although Ben golfed on occasion he really enjoyed visiting area businesses.

“He was very community oriented,” Stoll said, she also stressed he was helpful towards others. Stoll was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

She said they were hoping to raise at least $2,000 to be able to give $1,000 out to potential applicants. That amount could increase as the fundraiser grows over time. She said they were able to give $1,000 out in his name last year.

Stoll said band members don’t have to attend a four year institution to qualify for the scholarship and could also use it towards a trade school. The scholarship is administered through the Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation.

The Wast Ohio Food Bank was back in Wapakoneta Friday. Here, members of the Ohio National Guard, and volunteers from St. Paul United Church of Christ, who has partnered with the area food bank for months, were getting ready to deliver food to families in need. The distribution was held at the Auglaize County Engineer's Garage. A total of 32,500 pounds of food was distributed to 167 families.