Cool Water Saloon hosts fundraiser for Mackenzie Mitchell, who lost everything in fire

Molly Uskuraitis knows what it’s like to lose it all.

Her Vandergrift home all but burned down nine years ago, torching its contents and killing her pet dogs.

Slowly and with support from the community, she was able to rebuild her home and her life. Now, her friend and coworker Mackenzie Mitchell finds herself in a similar spot after a June 15 fire destroyed an Avonmore bar and the apartments above the bar, where she lived.

No injuries were reported in the fire, but Mitchell’s dog, Py, died in the blaze at My Buddy’s Place that drew response from nearly 30 volunteer fire companies. The bar, owned by Gerri Bumbaugh, had been open for 30 years. Mitchell had moved in to her apartment only a month or so prior to the blaze.

“As soon as we heard, we knew we had to do something immediately,” Uskuraitis said.

Uskaraitis and the rest of the team at Cool Water Saloon in Kiski Township stepped up Sunday with a fundraiser for Mitchell. The benefit featured a silent auction and T-shirt sale as well as a menu with pulled pork, rigatoni and other comfort foods.

Manager Andrea Almire said 72 T-shirts sold before the event kicked off at noon. By early afternoon a steady stream of patrons were buying auction tickets and scooping macaroni and cheese. The purple shirts — Mitchell’s favorite color — will be available only through Monday. Afterward, Almire said, the bar will continue accepting donations on Mitchell’s behalf.

“Everybody has been supportive and helpful,” Almire said.

Pete Clever, who lived in the second apartment above My Buddy’s Place, was also displaced. His daughter has set up a donation site on GoFundMe that has raised $1,500 as of Sunday afternoon. His sister-in-law, Jessica Igo, has collected clothes and personal hygiene products for Clever.

Mitchell arrived at Cool Water Saloon later in the afternoon Sunday. She had been at a walk-for-life event, said Almire, making time to serve others even in her time of need. Mitchell declined to comment.

Some of Mitchell’s family attended the event, including her aunt, Marianne Moore, who described her niece as a hard worker who would do anything for anyone. While plenty of clothing donations have come through, Moore said, her niece is still in need of financial support.

“She’s just from square one,” Moore said. “We hope it fills up today.”

Mitchell’s cousin, David Hoover, emphasized the importance of having family to lean on during tough times.

“We always support family,” Hoover said.