Group raises money for fire victims

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - A local organization held an event on Sunday to raise money for a family that lost its home in a fire on Wheeler Drive.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Panhandle Aerie #4045 held a fundraiser on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. to raise money for the Jones family, which was the victim of a Sept. 2 fire.

The group hosted raffles, gave away door prizes and took donations for food at their location at 228 Green Acres Road in Fort Walton Beach.

Two members of the Jones family died in the fire. Hayley Stiller and Richard Jones both died as a result of the blaze. Laura Jones, Richard Jones’ wife, survived, but their home was destroyed in the process.

“It’s really been a rollercoaster hour to hour. You start thinking about it and the emotions start coming out,” said Mink.

She and Steven Mink, another family member who survived the fire, have been released from the hospital but,  now, they need a place to live. The Order of Eagles hopes to help with that.

“It’s wonderful. It really is wonderful to know that people really do care,” Jones said.

Organizers even donated toys to Mink’s six-year-old daughter Ariyanna.

“I can’t even imagine going through the loss and the pain that they’ve had to endure. But it’s good that our organization can reach out and help them in a small way,” said Chuck Seagle, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Panhandle Aerie #4045.

Jones and Mink say there isn’t a day that goes by that they don’t think of their loved ones that didn’t survive. They said the community’s support helps bring them some peace.

“We didn’t know that many people actually cared. But when you meet people for the first time and they’re hugging you, it makes you feel good inside,” said Jones.

If you’d like to donate to the Jones family, you can do so at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4045 by calling 850-862-4045.