Claridge resident Chiko Raisey recently lost her house to a devastating electrical space heater fire. Raisey could only get out of the house with her husband’s ashes and had to leave everything else behind. Her friends and family were glad to see her come out of the house with only minor burns but devastated to see the demolished house left behind.

     Last Sunday, Feb. 19, from 1-6 p.m. Raisey’s friends helped a spaghetti dinner benefit with penguins merch and tickets, A booze cooler with wine from the local bushy run winery, 50/50, and a Chinese Auction with over 66 baskets donated by the community.

     Students from around the Penn-Trafford school district came to help Raisey at the fundraiser. Natalia Woods, a Penn-Trafford high school junior, earned community service hours by helping serve food and drinks.

     Women from the American Legion, club 63 and so many others helped set up the event. Jennifer Kerr, a member of the American Legion, said, ”We just came together to help her out, which last night, I was putting those baskets out and I was in tears because [Claridge is] a little town, but it’s a good town.” 

     In all, the event raised over $8500 for Raisey according to an American Legion member.