After one man was killed and nearly a dozen other tenants were left homeless from a fire in Carnegie earlier in March, a benefit was held in their honor Saturday.
Over 600 people opened their hearts Saturday to support the victims, including John Michael Wells, who was killed in the fire.
The fatal fire took place at the 3-story apartment complex that also houses the well-known restaurant Papa J’s.
Wells lived in the building, which is located at the corner of East Main Street and Broadway Street, and died in the 5-alarm fire.
Wells was a long-time maintenance worker for the family that owned the apartment building.
Channel 11’s Shelley Bortz spoke with organizers and community members who helped rally residents ahead of the banquet.
“I know everyone in the community is tight-knit and wanted to help, but I am more shocked that the response has been so overwhelming,” said Julie Lewis, an organizer of the banquet.
Lewis, with the help of another friend, pulled the event together.
Cefalo’s Banquet and Event Center in Carnegie donated its venue – staffed with employees and plenty of food – for the banquet Saturday.
More than 60 baskets were donated by members of the community for the Chinese auction. All of the proceeds will go directly to the victims of the fire.
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