Dave and Debra Gilbert are donating $10,000 to the Shields of Honor Gala in memory of Debra's father, Richard “Dick” Koch, who served the Geneva Fire Department for 35 years.
The personal gift is designated for the fire department, while the fourth annual gala on Nov. 7 will raise money for both Geneva firefighters and police officers, according to a news release from The Second Impact Foundation.
Remembering Koch's years of service
Koch served as a department member and driver. The Gilberts remembered his love for the work, his fellow firefighters and the community, as well as his devotion to his wife, Jean Koch, and their children, Deb, Barb and John.
Both Gilberts were born and raised in Geneva. Dave graduated from Geneva High School in 1972 and Debra in 1974. They moved to Florida in 1977 but continue to spend their summers in Geneva.
The couple said the gala offers an important way to provide supplemental support for first responders as the city faces financial pressures.
Foundation founder and gala host Ray Ciancaglini said the donation honors Koch's service while helping support the city's firefighters.
Gala will feature awards and expanded auctions
The gala is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Ventosa Vineyards. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $100, and full tables are available.
Ontario County Sheriff Dave Cirencione will serve as master of ceremonies. Program speakers include Ciancaglini, state Sen. Pam Helming, Geneva Police Chief Ron Eveland and Geneva Fire Chief Del Parrotta.
The department chiefs will present the Carlton Naegele Award to Robert Patnesky and the Frank Pane Award to Sebastiano Gentile. The awards recognize service reflecting the values of Fire Chief Naegele and Police Chief Pane, according to organizers.
The evening will have no band and will focus on recognizing first responders, presenting awards and raising money through silent and live auctions. Organizers expect the auctions to be the largest in the gala's history, with sports memorabilia, firearms, recreational packages, home furnishings and other donated offerings.
The gala has raised more than $144,000 since it began. Organizers hope this year's event will bring the cumulative total to $200,000.
The Second Impact Foundation, founded by former professional boxer Ciancaglini, promotes concussion awareness, mental health and resilience while supporting first responders. The foundation says its work was inspired by his experience with Parkinson's syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy following untreated concussions during his boxing career.
Tickets and information
For tickets, contact Rob Patnesky at 315-521-7516, Paul D'Amico at 585-820-8243, Patti Ciancaglini at 315-521-8926 or Erika Van Savage at 315-945-7594.
More information about the foundation is available at thesecondimpact.com.
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