On Saturday, December 14th at 5:00 p.m. in the Weber High School gym, the annual Guns and Hoses Charity Basketball game started off with a traditional tip-off. This year, all funds went to support the Otto family.
Paul Otto, the father, used to be a sportscaster, but suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in numerous brain surgeries, years ago. Today, he suffers in pain, daily. His wife, Amy, has recently been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. As a teacher for many years in the Maria Montessori and recently, with Ogden City School District, Amy had to quit due to the difficulties of the chemo treatments. She also has undergone radiation treatments. Together, Amy and Paul have four children: Braden, Brooklyn, Garrett, and Jace Otto.
It was humbling and heartwarming to see the community support for the Otto family at the Guns and Hoses Charity Event. Many came out on the cold, December night to express their love and generosity. There was a silent auction which started at 4 p.m. and the basketball game followed at 5 p.m.
Follow The Flag came and displayed the MinorMajor flag while first responders held onto each corner. A beautiful sight to see our red, white and blue!
Several businesses in the community of North Ogden, Pleasant View and Harrisville kindly donated items for the auction.
Of course, it’s always exciting to watch a good basketball game, but when it involves the police officers and firefighters in the community—with all proceeds going towards the Otto family—it’s a great game!
The cheerleading squads from North Ogden Junior High and Orion Junior High were participating as well as Weber Warrior cheer team and Warriorettes. Chick-fil-A was there to provide dinner for a small fee (again—all proceeds going towards the Otto family).
In the end, the police officers won! Those officers were a combined effort from Pleasant View, Harrisville, and North Ogden. Cheers of joy were heard from the crowd and then a hush fell when the Otto family came out to express their gratitude. In addition, the Otto’s sang “Silent Night” to the audience and the third verse all of the community joined in. The gymnasium was filled with love at this Christmas season.
A beautiful photograph, of the Otto family--was handed out to each participant, as they came through the Weber High doors. On the photo were words to a poem in which Amy Otto had written titled, “Angels in Ogden.”
T-shirts were also for sale in support of breast cancer awareness and Amy. We offer our love and support to the Otto family.
