Story about Evans family in today's Press-Citizen

The Evans family is featured in a Press-Citizen story this morning about their recent house fire, and about two fundraisers planned this Saturday to help them out, including the Lucas DEED furniture drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lucas Elementary (click here for more information about that event).

Benefit planned to assist Evans family

Emily Schettler • For the Press-Citizen • July 15, 2010

For Craig and Kim Evans of rural Iowa City, the sense of loss in the past two weeks only has been matched by the support they've received from family and friends.

On July 2, the family's home at 4300 Sioux Ave. S.E. burned to the ground. One week later, Kim Evans' grandmother passed away.

"We've kind of been hit with a double whammy," Craig Evans said. "The fire left us with just our bicycles and our clothes and our vehicles."

In addition to their belongings, the family's two dogs were killed in the fire. Craig Evans said that has been especially tough.

An outpouring of support has helped the family, including sons Codie, 23, Colton, 18, and Kyle, 3, as they move forward.
"A lot of people step forward and ask if they can do things," Craig Evans said. "It makes you realize what kind of friends and family-support system you have."

Friends and co-workers are holding two benefits for the family Saturday.

A fundraiser featuring a silent auction and raffle will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at Grizzly's South Side Bar, 1210 Highland Court in Iowa City.

Grizzly's will provide appetizers and donate a portion of drink sales to the family. Auction and raffle items will include T-shirts, gift cards to local businesses, jewelry and artwork from local artists.

A furniture drive will take place the same day at Lucas Elementary, 830 Southlawn Drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is being sponsored by the Lucas Elementary School Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams. Kim Evans is an associate at Lucas Elementary. Furniture and household items in good condition, as well as cash donations, will be accepted.

Craig Evans works at Procter & Gamble Co. The generosity of co-workers, family and friends has been overwhelming, he said.

"People have been so generous," he said. "It will literally overwhelm you to the point where your emotions get the best of you."

Longtime friend Mark Fluaitt helped the family remodel their home and was shocked to hear the news of the fire. He is coordinating donations to help the family until they get back on their feet.

Those interested can donate at any Hills Bank location to the "Craig and Kim Evans Family Fire Fund." The family also is registered at Target.

"Craig and I've grown up together," Fluaitt said. "We figure this is the best way to help them. We wanted to get as many people as we could get involved to help out with it."

The Evans family has been staying with Kim Evans' sister since the fire. They recently found a place to rent in Iowa City while they decide what step to take next. Craig Evans said they are unsure if they will rebuild.

Read the Press-Citizen article online here.