Lewiston community raises funds for family who lost home in fire

LEWISTON, Minn. (KTTC) – Winona County community members rallied in support of a Lewiston family after they lost their home in a fire earlier this month. The local community held a fundraiser at the Lewiston Community Center on Sunday.

“It’s a 100 percent loss for the house,” said David Baer, a family member affected by the fire. “This event here is just a fantastic community effort, not just from the Lewiston side, but we also have people from St. Charles, Winona and Rushford, just people from all over the world.”

The fundraiser began at noon and included a Chicken Q, bake sale and silent auction. Soon after it started, dozens of community members already came to us.

“It’s been a half hour and we’re already a quarter of the way through,” said event organizer Chad Kreidermacher. “Our goal is to prepare 500 meals.”

Baer is the owner of Heartland Country Club and commander of the local American Legion, Kreidermacher said. Kreidermacher added that through his efforts on behalf of the local community, it was only right to receive something in return.

“This is Lewiston. We are Lewiston. We take care of everyone. This is what we do in this community. It just goes to show you that people are paying attention. They understand things. If something happens to someone in this city, it will be a big event. If they need help. We are here to help them.”

As for community members who were unable to join Sunday’s fundraiser, Baer said he is more than happy for them to pray or be happy with their family and those they love.

“I just can’t express how happy, shocked and grateful we are for everything that’s happening and everything that’s been planned and done,” he said. “Bringing together a community like this should be the norm, not the exception.”

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