A Seneca County community is coming together to support a local family who lost their home in a March structure fire, with a benefit event planned next month to help them recover.
The fundraiser will support Elizabeth Godkin-Pasqua and her family, whose home was destroyed in an early morning fire March 18. Emergency crews from across the county responded to the blaze, which was later ruled not suspicious, though the home was deemed a total loss.
Organizers have scheduled a community benefit banquet and chicken barbecue for May 9 at the Varick Fire House, with proceeds going directly to the family. The event will run from 1 to 5 p.m., with presale meal pickups available by 4 p.m.
Dinners, catered by Manhill Food Service, will cost $17 and include a half chicken, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, and a roll with butter. In addition to the meal, the event will feature raffles, baked goods, drinks, and other fundraising activities, with raffle winners to be drawn at 4:30 p.m.
Organizers say the event is aimed at helping the family rebuild after losing their home, while also showing community support during a difficult time. Local businesses and individuals are also being encouraged to contribute raffle items or baked goods.
The fire, reported around 6 a.m. on March 18 at a home along Route 96A in Romulus, drew a large multi-agency response. Deputies and fire investigators said the cause of the fire remains undetermined but is not considered suspicious. The home was fully insured, and all occupants were able to evacuate safely without injury.
Multiple departments from across Seneca County assisted at the scene, including Ovid, Romulus, Fayette, Border City, Lodi, Interlaken, and Varick fire departments, along with South Seneca and North Seneca ambulance crews. The Seneca County Fire Coordinator and additional mutual aid teams also responded to help secure the scene and support emergency operations.
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