Community

Polish Hall fundraiser for Northampton fire victims sells out

Amberlynn (left) and Lyn Fountaine posed for photos at Lyn's graduation this year, just two days after her father was injured in the fire. (Cyndi Murray photo)
Amberlynn (left) and Lyn Fountaine posed for photos at Lyn’s graduation this year, just two days after her father was injured in the fire. (Cyndi Murray photo)

Four months after a fire destroyed the Fountaine family’s home in Northampton, friends and neighbors are coming together to raise funds through a Chinese auction and dinner event called “Love Thy Neighbor.”

One day before the event, the dinner has already sold out of nearly all 250 of its $50 tickets.

“We have two, maybe three left,” said Joyce Russell, an organizer of the fundraiser, at Polish Hall. She and others were preparing for the fundraiser Thursday afternoon.

“When people need help, we step up … It’s a lot of work but we’re excited about what’s happening,” she said.

The Fountaines are now living in a trailer on their property as they prepare to rebuild their home, which was damaged during the June 25 fire, she said.

“They’re adjusting to their new living conditions and everything,” Ms. Russell said. “They’re going to rebuild, but this is just a way the community can show our support.”

The event is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Polish Hall and has been coordinated by Northampton Community, a former civic association that has laid dormant for years, Ms. Russell said. The group has been revived to put together Friday’s fundraiser for the family.

“Tragedy usually brings the best out of people,” Ms. Russell said. “People are willing to help. Sometimes they just need a cause.”

But just because the event is sold out doesn’t mean donations are closed. Ms. Russell said the group will forward any donations they receive to the Fountaine family.

For more information, contact Ms. Russell at (631) 384-8893.

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