Dinner benefits collapse victims
Joe DeThomas and his wife, Angela, of Washington, attended the President’s Pub and Life Church dinner fundraiser for victims of the N. Main St. building collapse. Raffles and 50/50 drawings raised additional funds for those who were injured and left without shelter.
Roman Vielowski of Washington works his way through the buffet line at President’s Pub at the benefit dinner on Tuesday. Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to victims of the July 12 N. Main St. building collapse.
Presidents Pub and Life Church teamed up with local businesses Tuesday to host a benefit dinner to help provide relief for victims of the July 12 building collapse at 15 N. Main St., Washington.
The buffet dinner cost $20, and $5 from each meal, along with all proceeds from raffles and 50/50 drawings, will benefit the victims of the collapse.
Mark Kennison Jr., co-owner of the restaurant/tavern on N. Main St., said he believes the pub has an obligation to help the victims. A conversation with the pastor at Life Church, which helped the displaced residents of the collapsed building with supplies, led him to suggest the fundraiser.
“It certainly was tragic,” said Kennison. “(Helping out) is the right thing to do, it’s the American spirit to help others. Bad things do happen, but if enough people rally with positive energy and take action, we can make a positive difference. We just want to do our part.”
Also sponsoring the dinner were Red Pump Spirits, Jim Beam, Chicco Baccello, Miller Lite, Liberty Pole Spirits, Washington Winery and Reinhart.
The fundraiser included live music, with Perry’s Union performing.
The partial building collapse resulted in a nearly 10-hour rescue effort to free Megan Angelone, 38, who was trapped in the apartment building. She is still recovering from injuries sustained in the collapse.
Demolition of the building is underway.
Among those who attended the fundraiser were Joe and Angela DeThomas of Washington.
“I know many of the people who live there are low-income, and they’ll need all the help they can get to get back on their feet,” said Angela DeThomas.
Presidents Pub manager Connie Beckett said the tavern was pleased with the turnout .
“It’s such a great cause. Everyone stepped up to help out,” said Beckett. “I think everyone in the community was thinking about what they could do, and it was an opportunity for everyone to do their part.”
Donations for the victims can be made to Life Church, 100 N. Main St., Washington, Pa., 15301.