FALLBROOK, Calif., Nov. 9, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Residents and businesses of Fallbrook, CA are organizing a grass-roots fundraiser for victims of the devastating Rice Canyon Fire.
The rustic community in Northern San Diego County lost more than 200 homes, half which were located in a mobile home park that was caught in the epicenter of the fire. Many of the park's residents were on fixed incomes and or were under insured.
On Sunday Nov. 18, the community is reaching out to those victims through a benefit street fair called Fallbrook After the Ashes. All the proceeds from the event will go to fire victims.
"Since Fallbrook is such a tight knit community, we wanted to do something special for the fire victims, especially those with medical needs," said David Fenn, downtown Fallbrook merchant and event co-organizer. "It's been gratifying to be a part of a community that is so willing to reach out to neighbors in need."
The event, which will be held on the one-month anniversary of the fire, will take place on Main Street, in the heart of Downtown Fallbrook. It will include live bands, food concessions, a beer garden, wine tasting, live and silent auctions, pet grooming and care area, a indulgence zone where you can get haircuts and massages, big ticket raffles, children's area with jumpers, face painting and games. Noted motivational and inspirational speaker Sure Kirby has agreed to enlighten the crowd with her special brand of humor and encouragement.
Although more than $20,000 has been raised so far, organizers would like to raise more than $100,000 for the fire victims.
To do that, they need your help.
Needed are:
* A celebrity who could serve as an emcee and help promote the event. * Help from the media to get the word out * Corporate sponsorships * Items to be used for the silent auction, live auction and big ticket raffles * Food, beverages and supplies for the event * Tables, chairs and staging * Signs, banners and fliers * Volunteers
Legacy Endowment of Fallbrook, a nonprofit organization, will manage the proceeds and the distribution to the victims. Checks should be made to Legacy Endowment with Fallbrook After the Ashes in the memo. They can be mailed to: Legacy Endowment P.O. Box 2710, Fallbrook, CA 92088. Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event can register by emailing fallbrookfires@gmail.com or contacting the Village News at (760) 723-7319.