Charity effort underway to help local family devastated by fire
The Maricopa community is rallying once again to help another local family in their time of distress.
A mobile home fire Friday claimed the life of 22 year-old Michelle Mariano. Michelle’s sister Marian survived, but suffered major burns to her body and is in critical condition at the Maricopa Medical Center burn unit in Phoenix. Michelle’s 3 year-old son, Jaylen, rescued his 1 year-old sister, Eden, from the flames. However, Eden suffered burns to her face and torso and is currently in the burn unit as well. Jaylen was uninjured.
The family’s mobile home was completely destroyed along with their two cars and all their personal belongings.
A car wash was held on Sunday afternoon at the Maricopa AutoZone store on John Wayne Parkway. Volunteers, including members of the Wild Pitches women’s softball team spent five hours in the sun washing whatever rolled in in order to raise funds to help the family. Over $1900 was raised at the event.
Much praise was heard for the local AutoZone, which has been the site of numerous local fundraising efforts. "The Autozone is by far the best place in Maricopa with regards to helping the community," said local resident Shane Parker. "They have never asked for advertisements or any special favors, and consistently donate car wash supplies for various functions and fundraisers."
A charity fundraiser on Sunday, at the Maricopa AutoZone, raised over $1900 to help the Mariano family recover from a devastating fire. (Photos by Howard Waggner)
Those looking to help out, and have fun doing it, can participate in the Annual Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament Thursday morning at Pacana Park.
The event is being hosted by Maricopa City Councilmember Marquisha Griffin and her husband Joe. The Griffins decided to turn a day of fun and games into a fundraising opportunity as well.
"You cannot hear of a tragedy, such as what happened to the Mariano family, and not be touched," stated Councilmember Griffin, "The community’s generosity is a small gesture to let the family know that we care. At the same time, this event brings residents together to support a worthy cause while having some fun."
The event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come out and have a good time. All you need is a pair of cleats and be prepared to have fun. Donations will be made at the time of the event.
Donations of clothing and other items for the children are currently being accepted at The UPS Store at 20987 North John Wayne Parkway in Maricopa. Jaylen wears a 3T/4T and Eden is currently in 18-month clothing, although the family predicts she will be needing 24-month clothing by the time she recovers enough to begin wearing clothes again.
Cash donations can be made to "The Michelle Mariano Memorial Fund" at any Wells Fargo Bank.
For more information on how to help the family, you can email wildpitches9@hotmail.com.
Michelle Mariano died in a mobile home fire, on Friday morning, that left her sister Marian, and daughter Eden, badly burned. Charity efforts are now underway to help the family recover from the devastation. (Photo by Sam McCallie)
If you go:
The Annual Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournment will be held Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26th, 2009, beginning at 9:30 am. The tournament will be held at Pacana Park, 19000 North Porter Road.
Related stories:
3 year-old saves baby from mobile home fire
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