Woman Raises $29K For Sister Who Lost Home In Colorado Wildfire

Annapolis MD

04 January, 2022

10:01 AM

Description

SEVERNA PARK, MD — An Anne Arundel County woman is raising money for a relative who lost her home last week in a Colorado wildfire. Courtney Clarke of Severna Park started the fundraiser over the weekend. By 10 a.m. Tuesday, Clarke had raised $29,055. The Family The drive benefits Clarke's sister, Devon Drechsel, and her husband, Derek. The partners and their kids were in Pennsylvania during the blaze, so nobody was hurt. Still, the family lost everything. "The comfy beds they would retreat to each night after a long day, knowing it's a warm, soft place to finally get a good night's rest are gone," Clarke wrote on the GoFundMe campaign page. "Everything that gives you comfort in your own home, are completely, tragically gone for them." Their car, bikes and toys were all charred. The flames also claimed "cherished items from their fathers whom both passed away last year." The outdoorsy family also lost its camping, hiking and skiing equipment. "Literally all of their belongings are completely gone," Clarke said. "It wasn't just a house, but a loving home with memories and mementos from significant events in their lives." The Wildfire The wildfire started Thursday, rolling through the suburban grasslands between Boulder and Denver. The blaze destroyed 991 buildings and damaged 127 more, the Associated Press reported. Clarke's relatives live in Superior, which was one of the hardest-hit areas. Twelve businesses in town were damaged, journalists Colleen Slevin and Brittany Peterson said. Some of the victims included a Target retailer, a Chuck E. Cheese pizzeria, a Tesla car dealership, a hotel and the town hall. The threat ended Saturday when plunging temperatures and quenching snow smothered the flames. The AP said two people are still missing. "The photos showing the complete devastation in Devon and Derek's hometown is something I hope nobody would have to go through," Clarke said. "But for our family, this is a tragic reality." How To Donate Clarke had recruited 224 donors by the time of publication. Six of those donations were for $1,000 each. "We cannot bring back those cherished items but we can help give them some comfort for clothing, food, diapers, etc.," Clarke said. "Anything will help right now while they figure out how to rebuild." Residents can donate at this link. EDITOR'S NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner. The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article. To learn more about the wildfire, read the AP's full story. Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County news.