Neighbors rally around Allegheny Township couple after house fire

An online fundraising effort to help an Allegheny Township couple whose home was destroyed by fire Friday was approaching a $10,000 goal.

By Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign to benefit Jason and Marissa Femc had raised $9,500 from more than 180 donors.

The Femcs, who are newlyweds, lost all their wedding gifts and other belongings in the fire Friday morning at their house on South Gosser Hill Road. Gunner, their 1-year-old pit bull-mastiff, was killed.

A neighbor, Kimberly Stull Grafton, is heading relief efforts for the Femcs, which includes collecting donations and organizing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

The dinner, sponsored by Trinity Church of Vandergrift, is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Twisted Thistle, 127 Market St. in Leechburg. Admission will be $5 per person.

The dinner includes a 50-50 raffle and a Chinese auction.

In the wake of the fire, Grafton said they’ve been somewhat overwhelmed with donations because the couple has no place to put them. She said they’re asking for donations for the Chinese auction or donations of money or gift cards.

Clothing is not in need; money for food is, she said.

Grafton said those interested in helping can contact her at 724-882-7169 or by email at graftons5@comcast.net.

On Sunday, Grafton said she is also organizing a charity pool tournament for Jan. 25. Details had not yet been finalized.