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Fundraiser held in memory of Anthony Senske

‘Tossin It For Tony’

People showed up in droves Saturday to raise money for a good cause.

The third annual Tossin' It for Tony Cornhole Tournament was held at the Tsintzina Society's Greek Club, 113 Jackson Ave, starting at 11 a.m.

The event celebrated the life of Anthony (Tony) Senske, son of Kristi and Cory Senske, who passed away at age 19 on April 25, 2024. Tony was wheelchair-bound, non-verbal, and faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. However, these difficulties did not define him; he continued to share his infectious smile with everyone who knew him or crossed his path, and by all accounts, he could light up a room with his personality.

"He had the most infectious smile," said Kristi Senske, Anthony's mother. "To know him was to love him; this non-verbal kid brought so much love to those around him, and we want to carry on that love by supporting things Tony would love to do; that’s why we're doing this fundraiser."

Born with cerebral palsy, Tony Senske faced immense challenges throughout his life. And yet, he was a bright light in the Jamestown Public Schools community — someone who could fill a room with laughter, communicate volumes with a glance, and share a bond with his teachers built on a sense of humor and pure heart.

Kristi said that a fund had been established at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) in honor of Tony and that the family was in the process of becoming a 501 c 3, non-profit entity.

"Donations can be made to the Anthony Senske Memorial Fund at the CRCF," she said. "We're in the process of starting a full non-profit to continue remembering and honoring his memory called Anthony Legacy of Smiles. ...We're just waiting on final approval."

The event hosted more than 36 cornhole teams competing for cash prizes; there were more than 62 gift basket raffles; and food and drinks were for sale.

“We organized this event in honor of his birthday to help our family cope with these difficult times and to raise funds for others in the community who have children with special needs," Senske said. "Our goal is to assist those who may need help with expenses that insurance might not cover and to create other events and programs for the area."

Senske said the additional programming and support includes a sensory-friendly Halloween party, coverage for hospital stays, transportation costs to and from treatment facilities, a sensory zone for the Easter egg hunt complete with prizes and funding for the Jamestown Public Schools District Unified Sports teams. She said Anthony had many friends involved in the Unified Sports Teams at Jamestown High School.

"We want to fill a void, which some may not even know exists when you have a child that requires medical treatment and care," she said.

In 2025, the JHS Battle of the Classes raised funds to support and honor Anthony Senske’s legacy by naming the Senske Fund the benefit of the 44th annual battle.

“By choosing the Anthony Senske Fund, we are helping to honor Anthony as he was a student at JHS for 3 years before he passed,” said Braelyn Peterson, co-president of the JHS Class of 2025. “The purpose of this foundation is to provide more students with needs similar to Anthony’s opportunities within the community that are sensory-friendly or modified to meet their physical, mental or emotional needs. The family hopes that Anthony’s positive attitude and energy can be carried on through helping others.”

To donate to the Anthony Senske Memorial Fund, visit crcf.me/senske or call 716-661-3390 for more information.