Buffalo Bills all-time tackle leader Darryl Talley is coming to Cuba for a fundraiser event supporting Gabby Kranock, a Cuba girl who was paralyzed by a drunk driver in 2022.
Talley will meet with fans and sign autographs as part of the annual Deschfest memorial fundraiser on Oct. 20 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmer Opera House. The event will also feature comedy trivia from A Couple of N3rds, music from The Chumps, and a raffle featuring thousands of dollars worth of items and gift cards donated by local businesses.
Admission for the evening is $15, while autograph tickets for Talley are $20 per autograph. Children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. All presale admission tickets include a complimentary raffle sheet featuring 25 raffle tickets, giving attendees a chance to win prizes.
Additional raffle ticket sheets are $15 or three sheets for $40. Those who can't stay for the entertainment and raffle but still want an autograph from Talley can join an early autograph session starting at 6:30 p.m.
After being drafted by the Bills in 1983, Talley played in Buffalo for 12 seasons, including the Bills four Super Bowl appearances. Talley is the Bills all-time leader in tackles and a member of the Bills Wall of Fame.
On Sept. 3, 2022, Kranock was standing in a lawn celebrating the last day of summer break before her senior year when she was hit by a drunk driver, causing her injuries. The crash also killed Kranock’s friend Kayden Belleisle, of Olean. The event's proceeds will be donated to Kranock and her family, assisting them with the expenses associated with her condition.
The series of Deschfest fundraisers pay tribute to Cuba's own Zach Deschler, who passed away from brain cancer in 2016. Since 2017, Zach's friends and family have raised over $10,000 for local charities and causes in his honor.
Last year’s sold out event featured WWE Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author Mick Foley. Previous events have featured live music and pro wrestling.
Event organizer Kip Doyle, a Cuba native living in Buffalo, said every Deschfest event incorporates Deschler’s passions. The fundraiser events give Deschler’s friends and family an opportunity to celebrate his life with the greater community, he said.
"Zach (Deschler) loved the Bills, so bringing a Bills legend to Cuba is a perfect fit for this year’s event. We are thrilled to have Darryl Talley at Deschfest this year to support Gabby Kranock and her family,” Doyle said.
To order admission and autograph tickets, or for more information, visit Deschfest.com.