Rebuild After the Fire: Hodgson-Wittenauer Family

Early yesterday morning, Ben Hodgson and Lauren Wittenauer lived every family's worst nightmare. In a matter of minutes, their home was engulfed in flames and burned to the ground. Thanks to a stroke of fate and three-year-old Blair's brave voice, they escaped with their two youngest children—Colton and Blair—and their animals, all safe and unharmed. Their oldest child, Carter, was thankfully not home at the time of the fire.

This GoFundMe is being set up on behalf of Ben, Lauren, and their kids to help them rebuild their lives from the ground up.

What Happened:

In the early morning hours, smoke filled Blair's bedroom through an old laundry chute connected to the basement, where the fire started. She cried out for her parents just moments before the smoke detectors went off—an act that very likely saved her family's lives. Ben rushed to grab Blair and Colton, and Lauren followed. Within moments of getting outside, they turned around to see their entire home consumed by flames.

What We're Raising Funds For:

Ben and Lauren now face the long road of starting over. They left their home with only the clothes on their backs. A parishioner at Orangeville United Methodist Church has provided them a home to live in while they rebuild. Your donation will help them cover immediate essentials such as:

· Clothing and shoes for the entire family

· Food and necessities

· Replacement of household items lost in the fire

· Support as they begin the process of rebuilding

Every dollar, every share, and every word of encouragement matters. Let's surround this family with the same love and strength they've shown in the face of unimaginable loss. Thank you for helping the Hodgson-Wittenauer family begin again.