HUNTINGTON, WA (WSAZ) — After a fire destroyed a well-known local business, community members are stepping up to help those affected.
In the year A fire broke out in the early morning hours of August 1 at R&R Tent Rentals near South Webster.
The business supplies stalls for events in the region and beyond.
Owner Rodney Wright said almost all of his belongings were destroyed.
“I started with two stalls 25 years ago, and at this point I probably had 130 stalls,” Wright said.
Wright said the most painful part of the loss were two tractors that belonged to his father and grandfather.
Christy Johnson is a teacher at South Webster High School. She says the business was a big part of the community.
“We always have a few businesses that donate to the school, and it’s been really big,” Johnson said. “During covid, when we finally have prom in 2021, he donated all the tents, tables, chairs. He donated over $3,000 worth of equipment to our children. He does things like this to us all the time. “
Ryan Fenton teaches at Bloom-Vernon Elementary and works at R&R.
“When I graduated, Rodney and a lot of other kids gave me a chance to work and make some money,” Fenton said.
After the fire, Fenton and Johnson began organizing a golf tournament to raise $10,000 for those affected by the fire.
“We are heartbroken for him and we want to help him,” Johnson said.
“If it helps him buy just one piece of equipment that he lost in the fire, that’s great, but also to help temporarily displaced workers,” Fenton said.
“Every little bit helps,” Wright said.
Wright said it’s humbling and inspiring to see them go out of their way to help rebuild those they’ve served over the years.
“Everybody in this community is lending a hand,” he said. “I am speechless. It brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. One day we will rebuild it.
A golf tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at Little Scioto Golf Course.
People can register by contacting Fenton at Ryan.Fenton@bvjeeps.org.
People can become a belly sponsor by contacting Johnson at Kristie.Johnson@bvjeeps.org.
Wright believes the fire may have been caused by lightning.
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