Fire Takes Duluth Family Home, But Friends and Community Rally

Sunday fundraiser for thankful Johnson family after return home from hospital

A Duluth family lost almost everything in a fire last month, and the community is getting ready to do more to help them out.

The March 13th fire not only destroyed the family mobile home and most of their belongings, but also put an expectant mother and her children in the hospital.

Rainy Johnson and her two kids were treated for burns and smoke inhalation at a Twin Cities hospital. They’ve been able to recover and are now back home with dad and husband, Dylan. Mike Letica heard about the family’s plight and decided that with the help of others a big fundraiser was in order.

“I didn’t know this family before, but I’ve gotten to know them quite well now. And they’re just–they just can’t believe that people that don’t even know them are caring about them,” said Letica.

“I mean to the point that they basically bring them to tears. So, that’s really heartwarming to see that. And the fact that they appreciate it so much. They didn’t know where to start. No house, everything is burned, they lost two pets. Kids in the hospital. How do you start over? So that’s what the community’s here for, to help them,” said Letica.

Brittany Lesner is a family friend who said she felt she had to do something.

“They needed help getting back on their feet. Plus, I didn’t want them to have to worry about this as Rainy and the kids had been in the hospital in the cities,” said Brittany. “And I didn’t want any more pressure on them. So, that way they can focus on healing themselves.”

The Johnson’s say they are so thankful for what the community has already done. People are making quilts. Posters are up. The event at the Buffalo house this Sunday will include a chance for a plane ride with Duluth’s mayor, lunch with the police chief, and a dinner for four provided by the fire department.

With more help on the way, Rainy Johnson says they are already grateful for what they have.

“I guess our biggest highlight is that we know that we have stuff still in our storage unit–that if we need it or don’t have it at the house that we are temporarily staying at, that we’ll be able to just quickly run and grab it,” said Rainy. “All our baby supplies are currently sitting in the storage unit, minus a couple of things. So, when baby does get here, we know we’re set,” she said.

The spaghetti fundraiser will be family oriented. Festivities kick off at the Buffalo House at 1 on Sunday, and goes until four.

There will also be live music with the group AfterShock.