One year ago today, a devastating fire occurred at the Pines of Perinton. A tragic day in our community, many of our neighbors faced the shock, fear, and uncertainty of lost belongings and homes. It is a crisis that no one should face alone – and no one did – due to the remarkable community response that followed.
Our community displayed incredible acts of care, compassion, and generosity. From community members giving material and financial donations to local businesses and restaurants donating food – the outpouring of support played a significant role in getting the impacted individuals and families back on their feet.
Some of these organizations and volunteers worked hand-in-hand with the Town of Perinton to help our neighbors recover. They went above and beyond in service to our community, and tonight, Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna and Town Board members Dave Belaskas, Seana Sartori, Meredith Stockman-Broadbent and Alex Winner recognized their extraordinary efforts.
Among those recognized are volunteers from Fairport Learning Links, Fairport Central School District, Fairport Rotary, Barakah Muslim Charity, Saint’s Place, Echo Missions Ministry, Perinton Food Shelf, Being Black in the ‘Burbs, Penfield Hope, The Hive, Fairport Baptist Homes Senior Options for Independence (SOFI), Church of the Assumption, Church of the Resurrection, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and The DiMarco Group. Additional community volunteers who played key roles will also be recognized.
“After first responders battled the several-alarm fire and ensured everyone was safe, displaced residents arrived at the Perinton Community Center, and what happened from there was nothing short of incredible. A day of devastation was brightened by acts of care and kindness and an outpouring of support which would all play a significant role in getting our neighbors back on their feet over the weeks and months that followed,” said Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna. “I have always known that this town is a very special and caring community that steps up to help when people need it the most. It is an honor to recognize our extraordinary network of community organizations and volunteers who went above and beyond to help their neighbors.”
Thank you to everyone in our community who stepped up to help in both big and small ways – it made an incredible difference in the lives of our neighbors. We are a community that cares for one another – and will continue to in the days and years ahead.
