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11/18/2024 05:45 PMA Guilford family is getting a little help from their neighbors after an electrical fire swept through their home earlier this month.
On Nov. 9, a house fire, made worse by drought conditions, destroyed the home of Raymond and Andrea Muratori and their two daughters. In addition to their home, the fire also claimed the family's belongings. The family was displaced and is currently staying outside of Guilford, but the Muratori's are hoping to return to town so their daughters can remain in Guilford Public Schools.
Thanks to family and friends, though, the Muratoris are one step closer to returning to town. According to Jenna Pierpont Grayson, a close friend of Andrea's, the community immediately sprang into action.
“Upon hearing about the fire online, we all rushed to the house to be there for our friends and upon leaving,” she said. “We immediately sat together in utter shock, knowing we had to plan how we could best support them through this tragedy.”
One of the first things they decided to do for the family was start a GoFundMe. It was started by two moms whose kids are friends of the Muratori's daughters, Laura Davidson and Medina Bardhi-Bell.
“The GoFundMe had an initial goal of $20,000 to help support the family with their immediate needs,” Pierpont Grayson says. “We are pleased that the community, within the past week, has rallied around the family and showed what a wonderful community we have in Guilford. It will be vital to helping secure housing.”
On Nov. 18, Davidson updated the GoFundMe's goal to $40,000. At press time, the fundraiser had reached over $24,000.
"Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the initial fundraising goal, we are increasing it to allow continued donations," Davidson wrote on the fundraising site.
According to Davidson's update, several residents and local organizations have stepped up to help. Moon Shots Juice Co., a coffee shop specializing in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and vegan snacks, is allowing customers to round their purchase up, with the proceeds going towards the family, up until Saturday, Dec. 14. Pierpont Grayson also left a message if community members would like to donate other physical items to the family.
“As the Muratoris truly have nothing, if anyone would like to donate daily essentials; bed linens, towels, kitchen necessities, clothing for the family, etc., for when they do secure housing, please email us at Muratorihope@gmail.com to arrange.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/restoring-hope-for-the-muratori-family.