Dave Patton, 45, shows off his Terrible Towel signed by former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis during Saturday's fundraiser at the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora. The fundraiser was to raise money to assist Dave with medical costs in his fight against cancer.

Friends and family of Butler Area Midget Football League coach Dave Patton held a fundraiser Saturday evening at the Lyndora American Legion Post 778 to support Patton's cancer treatment.

Patton has been unable to work while undergoing chemotherapy treatments since November. Proceeds from tickets to the dinner and raffles at the event went to costs associated with his care.

Local restaurants and businesses donated more than 50 gift baskets and friends raffled off a 50/50 and sports memorabilia, including a Jerome Bettis signed football, a Penguins Jeff Carter autographed print, and a Cam Heyward Steelers print. Patton was presented with a Jerome Bettis signed Terrible Towel.

“Once he found out he was going to go through chemo, we knew we had to do something,” Patton's friend, Kristin Wilson, said. She and her husband, Jeremy, are close friends with Patton, and helped organize the dinner.

“Us and our families and our football family have all come together, and really, it's been awesome to see how much everybody wants to do for Dave,” she said. “He's so selfless, and has done so much for everybody.”

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