On Monday, Jan. 25 Pure Elements Organic Salon sponsored a fundraiser for a local family displaced from their home by a Jan. 5 fire that caused severe damage to both stories of the house. In total the salon raised $750 to benefit the Skipper family of 37 Park Ave.
I think it went very well, said Pure Elements owner Kristen Gaffney, adding `The rain kept some people away, but we will be accepting donations from people who could not make it to the event.`
The salon serviced ten clients during the hours of the fundraiser; however, donations, in addition to money raised from services performed were also accepted by volunteers from the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce. Pizza and soda were donated by Little Caesar’s Pizza.
`The outpour has been overwhelmingwe’re really thankful for everything, it’s made everything much easier,` said Linda Skipper, the matriarch of the family.
The Skipper family has been facing a number of challenges even before the fire that consumed portions of the home. Ernest Skipper, the patriarch of the family, has been suffering from a number of illnesses including heart disease and diabetes. Mr. Skipper also must undergo dialysis three times a weak after having a kidney removed as a result of his diabetes.
Linda Skipper has been undergoing treatment for cancer. Both Skipper parents have been out of work due to their illnesses.
The fire added to the difficulties faced by the family by not only displacing them from their home, but also by forcing the family to become divided. The parents lived with family for a short time before moving into a hotel, and the three children resided with friends so they could catch the bus to school every morning.
`We finally got everyone under one rooflast Friday [1/22] we moved into a home,` said Linda Skipper.
For the time being, the families’ Park Avenue home remains unlivable, with fire damage stretching from the garage area on the first floor to the second floor.
`I love my home, I would really like to get back into my house,` said Skipper. She said the structure is sound, but the damage would have to be repaired before the family can move back in.
While another benefit for the family has not yet been planned the chamber is still encouraging its members to make donations to the family.
`We’re encouraging our members to give them gift cards,` said Erika Gauthier, Program and Membership Manager for the chamber.
Kathy Burbank, Executive Director of the chamber, specifically mentioned the need for gift cards to Target, Wal-mart, and Crossgates Mall. `The structure of the house is saved but they lost everything from the walls down,` said Burbank.
Donations for the Skipper family can be sent to the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce at 2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084.
“
