Memorial fundraiser benefits Dalton High football program

Memorial Fundraiser

WHAT: Jean Hofstetter Memorial Fundraiser – Bake sale, raffle, catalog and cash & carry from Color Street, Tupperware and Thirty-one
WHEN: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 24
WHERE: Dalton High School cafeteria, 177 N Mill St., Dalton
WHY: All proceeds benefit DHS football warmups.

 

DGKN ARCHIVE PHOTO
Larry Hofstetter and Theresa Jarrett have fond memories of wife, mother and grandmother Jean Hofstetter who loved attending Bulldogs games, traveling with her husband on their motorcycle and cooking for people.

 

 

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bulldogs football warmups have Jean Hofstetter’s initials on them.

 

DALTON  A Bulldogs football tradition continues thanks in part to a staunch high school sports supporter and her loving family, friends and community members who want to keep her memory alive. Jean Hofstetter’s family created a fund in her memory after she passed away unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2017.

Hofstetter was known for cheering on her beloved Bulldogs whether it was high school basketball, volleyball or football.

With help from Head Dalton Football Coach Broc Dial, the family wanted to do something in Hofstetter’s memory and found out the team was in need of warmups.

They decided to purchase football warm-up suits for the entire football team in Jean’s memory.

To help keep the program going, a fundraiser is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday at Dalton High School cafeteria, 177 N Mill St. The event includes a bake sale, raffle, catalog and cash and carry from vendors including Color Street, Tupperware and Thirty-One.

Her daughter, Theresa Jarrett, said the event likely will continue annually. They weren’t able to have it last year because of the global pandemic.

Hofstetter was retired from Rosemount in Orrville after 35 years and had worked part-time at Lehman’s for a few years. She and her husband, Larry, enjoyed attending games together, and she had a big heart not only for Bulldogs teams but she also enjoyed cooking for people. She was known for making cut-out cookies at Christmas time for family members and teachers. She and Larry enjoyed traveling on his Harley.

Jarrett said it’s emotional when she sees the football players wearing their hoodies in the community, but it warms her heart.

“I think it means a lot when we see the kids out in the community when they have them on,” she said.

She said Larry might speak to the players each year so they know the meaningful story and special person behind the initials on their warm-ups.

Jean Hofstetter’s first name was actually Barbara, but everyone knew her as Jean – or, to her grandsons, as “Gram.” The hoodies have Hofstetter’s initials B. J. H on the back. Each year, the graduating seniors keep theirs and the rest of the team must turn them back in to wear the following year. New warm-up suits are purchased each year for the incoming freshman.

The Hofstetters’ oldest grandson, Adam Jarrett, wore his hoodie proudly all four years of high school. Now her youngest grandson, Ian Jarrett, will begin wearing his hoodie in memory of “Gram.”

For more information about the fundraiser, Jarrett can be reached at 330-201-1666.