Donations coming in for Ann Arbor couple who lost everything in fire
Concerned area residents have donated at least $950 to help an Ann Arbor couple whose rented home was destroyed by fire early Monday morning.
But Tami Simpson hopes donations will keep coming in. Simpson hopes to collect at least $2,000 the help Karen Fogarty, her fiance Peter Grobner and Fogarty’s 17-year-old daughter, Rosalyn, following the fire, which destroyed all their personal belongings.
Simpson, who like Fogarty, is a waitress at the Fleetwood Diner in Ann Arbor, said she and Fogarty have been friends since childhood.
The first order of business is to find a new place to live. Simpson said they’re hoping to move into one unit in a duplex, but they need to come up with $1,200 for the security deposit.
To donate to the effort, go to the FundRazr webpage Simpson set up and click on the “give” link. You can see the updated total of donations on the page. The total stood at $950 at 5 p.m. Tuesday and had been growing all day. Anyone with questions can call Simpson at 313-989-6903.
Grobner and Rosalyn were asleep when the fire broke out about 1:30 Monday morning in their rented home at 3325 Packard St. They awoke to the sound of a passerby banging on the door telling them the house was on fire. Grobner credited the man, who did not want to be identified, with saving his and Rosalyn’s lives.
As the couple tries to find a new home, Simpson said her friend is grateful for the donations and offers of help she’s received.
"She’s overwhelmed and really thankful for all the support that she’s getting from everyone,” Simpson said. “It’s just awesome to see everyone’s generosity.”
Contact Cindy Heflin at 734-623-2572 or email her at cindyheflin@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
Tami Simpson
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
The outpour of generosity and love for the family has been overwhelming, touching and greatly appreciated! We are going to work this weekend on finding a new rental. The FundRazr effort has been amazing, and we are keeping it open so that folks can continue to "Share" the link if they can: http://fnd.us/c/1IhV7 A benefit show is in the works for May 26th from 6-10 at The Elks. More information and updates will be posted as they happen on the Fleetwood facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/fleetwood-diner/104102181555 Many thanks to all who have passed this information along, and a big "Thank you" to Cindy Heflin at AnnArbor.com for her coverage and updates to the story.
E Claire
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
djm, it was (preliminary) determined to be faulty wiring inside a wall of an upstairs bedroom. being a rental, the landlord could be responsible for the wiring and/or the fact that the smoke detectors didn't work...the city requires that as part of yearly rental inspections and are supposed to check them. The Red Cross initially gave them $400 and 3 days at a hotel, not sure if they've gotten more. they have close to the amount needed for a security deposit so thanks to everyone whose contributed. they still need help though, they have no clothes, no furniture, no kitchen wares, etc. I just couldn't imagine...
djm12652
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
has a cause been determined? without renter's insurance, perhaps there is recourse on the homeowner's insurance if there was an issue with the structure.
Trisha Carey
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
wonderful friends and contributors .... just wondering about the American Red Cross, who usually help out people after fires or other social service organizations???? as this family is now homeless ... anyone know what resources are out there for coming up with deposits for new living spaces or a way to waylay in cases such as this house fire???