MOFFAT - On May 5, a benefit dinner for beloved resident Melinda Myers was held at the Moffat Community Center. Approximately 60 people attended the dinner, organized by the non-profit, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
There were food donations made by residents. A dessert auction took place. Attendees could purchase a plate for $10 which consisted of various Mexican food including, enchiladas, tamales, red Chile, Spanish rice, burritos, and tacos. There were homemade banana bread slices for dessert.
All proceeds from the dinner went to Myers to help rebuild her home after it was destroyed in a fire.
Earlier this year, Myers experienced tragedy that turned her whole life upside down. A fire struck the historic home that she had lived in for 30 years. Her home was destroyed.
Myers thankfully escaped the blaze unharmed, but unfortunately lost three of her cats and all her possessions in the blaze.
In a blog attached to Myers GoFundMe page, Myers wrote about how the fire had affected and changed her life and how grateful she was that so many people had reached out to help.
“This last month has been a transformative time for me. The total loss of my historic home of 30 years has been tempered by the support and caring of my community.
Within minutes of calling 911 and running out of the house in my stocking feet, my neighbors arrived with comfort, water, food, a coat, and offers of a place to sleep. My phone was blowing up with concerned friends as far away as Crestone that could see the flames from their homes.
“It seemed like half the town was there offering help and lamenting the loss of one of our oldest buildings in Moffat. I'm sure they were worried the fire might spread in the dry and windy conditions and threaten their own homes. The successful containment of the blaze was an amazing feat thanks to the Moffat, Northern Saguache County, and other Valley fire departments. My deepest thanks to all our emergency personnel for their dedication, they monitored and revisited the site until it was completely out, (a week later), as well as fighting other fires in the area. I ran into one Moffat fireman at the store, and he said they had been on duty for 36 hours straight with only a few breaks.
“We may all be involved in our individual lives, minding our own business, but when tragedy strikes, we link arms and show up to help. I am very grateful for this community for the care and help it has blessed me with, I can't imagine going through this without that support.
“The road back to having a home again will be long and filled with stumbling blocks, but I have a good start now,” she posted on the GoFundMe page.
At the dinner, Myers received hugs and words of support. Myers thanked everyone for attending. When asked how she was doing, Myers replied, “Everyone has been so wonderful.”
Moffat resident Katie Hefty said, “I am thrilled to be here for Melinda. She has been part of this community for such a long time, so we all want to support her.”
Donations to Melinda are ongoing and can be made through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors has an account at Aventa Credit Union in Crestone. In the memo check line on the check, people can reference the donation to Melinda Myers, for any amount they would like to contribute to help her.
