A Celebration of Life honoring Gene Cotter, the beloved owner of the Basketball Jones youth basketball camps who died after a car accident on Highway 156 on Monday night, will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 2 p.m. in the San Benito High School Mattson Gymnasium, 1220 Monterey St. in Hollister.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Guerra and Nino families will make available the Guerra Cellars Pepper Tree Ranch at 500 John Smith Rd. for a picnic-style reception. Chicken, sausage and beverages will be provided. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets and a side dish or dessert to share with all.
Cotter's wife, Tiffany, would like to create a book of memories for their children, Bailey and Brody, to cherish. Guests are asked to contribute by writing a letter to Bailey and Brody telling them your favorite story or memory about their dad. A basket will be available to collect the letters at the service.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses and ongoing needs. As of Thursday afternoon, the fund had reached nearly $34,000 of its $50,000 goal.