2,000 Expected To Attend Vigil For Quakertown Fire Victims

Doylestown PA

05 January, 2022

11:43 AM

Description

QUAKERTOWN, PA — A ceremony to honor Eric, Liam, and Patrick King, who died tragically during a Christmas morning fire in their home, will take place Wednesday. At least 10 speakers will pay homage to the family, and more than 2,000 people expected to attend. The vigil at Univest Performance Center was coordinated by the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association, Quakertown Borough, local business owners and other organizations, and community members. Following the ceremony, attendees will walk together through the sports complex, where Eric was a beloved coach and his sons spent many hours playing the sports they loved with their friends. Speakers will include: Father Ken, Priest, St. Isidore's Catholic ChurchMichael Bianco, President, Quakertown Youth Baseball AssociationJake Kessler, President, Quakertown Midget Football AssociationQuakertown High School Varsity SingersNicole Zuerblis, Principal, Richland ElementarySteve Lambing, on behalf of Ron Watson, Friend of Eric KingCharlie King, Brother of Eric KingLuke Melchior, Friend of Patrick KingSarah Thiel, Sister of Eric King Victoria Sedicum, SingerAfter the tragedy, people at home and nationally rallied for the victims of the Essex Court fire. Though a GoFundMe for survivors Kristin and Brady King was shut down after the family friend who started it received rude messages and others started scams, the fund had already raised $608,770. "Our Trust & Safety team is working closely with the fundraiser organizer to ensure funds safely reach the King family," a GoFundMe spokesperson told Patch. "Our team is also monitoring the platform for any fundraisers created to support the King family and will remove any fundraisers without a clear connection to the family." A fundraiser for neighbors whose home was rendered uninhabitable in the blaze has raised $33,207. "Words cannot express this unimaginable loss for our community," the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association wrote online. "The outpouring of support for the King family has been remarkable." The vigil for the Kings will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 301 W Mill St. Attendees are asked not to bring candles, as glow sticks will be provided while supplies last. Get important Doylestown news straight to your inbox when you subscribe to Patch.