Benefit Held for Phil Banasiak

Banasiak receives a big kiss on the cheek from his friend David Lawandowski

“You never know how many friends you have until you really need them.” That was said by well known Starke County resident, Phil Banasiak, at a benefit.

Banasiak, who for many years fought fires as the Bass Lake Fire Chief, was hosted at the benefit at the Sandbar Saturday night. With almost 400 people in attendance, the popular figure was the center of attention, as many well wishers had fond memories that they shared with the honored guest.

He went to the hospital September 11th and later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Banasiak is known as a “great friend to everyone who knows him,” according to Sandbar owner, John Lewandowski.

His upbeat spirit at the benefit warmed the hearts of all in attendance. They all urged him to fight the illness, like he used to fight fires all around the county.