WE DID IT!: Bielanko Family Fire Emergency Fundraiser
HEY Y’ALL… We’ve heard from lots of folks who missed our one-day Fire Emergency Fundraiser for the Bielankos, and who would like to know how they can still help.
Here’s what Monica has to say about that…
++++++++
UPDATE – January 5, 2012
7:35 pm
People are GOOD.
They really, really are.
YOU really, really are
In just about 12 hours, we have raised approximately $10,000 (final tally will depend on a few outstanding pledges, but should come in within $500 of our 10K goal in one direction or another) for the Bielanko family to help them get back on their feet after they lost their home and much of what they own in yesterday’s fire.
Since launching this fundraising effort at 7am EST this morning, we’ve received many, many $5 gifts and two $1,000 gifts, and everything in between. Folks have emailed gift certificates for groceries, and they’ve let us know to expect a check in the mail. And lots of you helped to get the word out so that this could happen.
By the end of the day tomorrow, which is when we will distribute your gift funds to them, the Bielankos will have the money they need available to rent a place to live (and to earn a living, since they both work from home). They will be able to pay the deposit, and the first and last month’s rent so they can move in. They will be able to get their utilities turned on. They can replace the appliances that could not be salvaged so they can keep the milk cold. They will have money to replace the Christmas toys that burned. They will be able to buy clean sheets and towels and underwear and pajamas and socks.
And once the dust settles, and they are re-settled, if there is money left over, they plan to donate it to a local agency that helps other families who suffer fire losses.
People are kind, and generous and compassionate. And in addition to raising this emergency rebuilding fund for the Bielanko family together today, I think we generated an awful lot of good karma together as well.
Much love,
Katie and Betsy
PS: We’ve added the message “FUNDRAISING IS NOW CLOSED” to the sections of the blog post below that earlier gave info on exactly how/where to send your gift, but we left everything else in the post the same as it was during the fundraising appeal for the Bielanko Family.
+++++
January 5, 2012 – 7:00 am
I know that many of y’all love Serge and Monica Bielanko, just as I do. They are truly lovely people, in addition to being two of the most talented bloggers in our online parenting community.
And we ARE a community, whether you’re a blogger yourself or a reader.
Serge, Monica, Violet and baby Henry
Yesterday, the Bielankos’ rural Pennsylvania home – a rental farmhouse into which they’ve poured time and love in recent months, since they made the brave leap to relocate from Utah – suffered a major house fire.
Serge had been working meticulously to refinish the floors in their new home, which they were SO excited to have found and to be able to afford.
While the cause of the blaze isn’t known yet, the fire appears to have started in or somewhere near Violet’s upstairs bedroom, where 2 year old Violet was playing alone at the time. Monica had the horrifying experience of having to rescue her baby girl from a room already engulfed in flames.
Thank God, no one was hurt. Serge, Monica, Violet and baby Henry – plus their two dogs, Max and Milo – all escaped, only to stand outside helplessly and see their beloved home burn as firefighters worked to save it.
While it will take days or more to determine the full extent of the loss of their belongings, we already know that the losses are extensive. Additionally, while they are able to stay with Serge’s mom for now, we know for certain that the family will have to relocate soon to a new rental home, and start completely over. And unfortunately – and to their eternal regret – they were not adequately covered by renters’ insurance. Their landlord is hoping that at some point they may be able to get back into his house once all the fire damage is repaired, but for right now, that’s just not happening.
The Bielankos' Home (with Violet on Porch) Before the Fire
Serge and Monica are both self employed. Serge is a musician and stay at home dad, working on his first book. Monica works harder than just about anyone I know to support her family as a freelance writer. They get by, but their budget had zero wiggle room for something so catastrophic.
That’s where we come in, y’all.
Starting today, many of us in the blogging community are launching an emergency fundraising appeal for the Bielanko family. They need funds to find and rent a new place, and to replace everything they already know they lost.
Later, after we know more clearly what stuff might be helpful – adn after they have a place to put it – donations of things like furniture, toys or clothing might be useful. But for now, like every working family faced with a situation like this, these folks are going to need actual money to rebuild their lives.
I literally had to BEG Serge and Monica to let people help them; they would NEVER have asked for any help themselves. But they finally agreed after I told them I would do it anyway 
But these are people who WILL pay it forward when the time comes, and I also know that if they end up with funds that are in excess of what they actually need to rebuild their life, they plan to donate it to their local Red Cross to help other families who suffer fire losses.
+++++
Here’s our goal: let’s all work together to raise a total of $10,000 in an emergency fire fund for the Bielanko family.
My sister Betsy Allison Tant, whom many of you know as the Executive Director of Henry’s Fund, has agreed to serve as our neutral, third party “collector of funds,” and keeper of records for our Bielanko Family Fire Emergency Fundraiser.
Betsy will carefully tally and record all gifts that come in, and she will be the one to distribute the funds raised directly to Serge and Monica Bielanko.
Every day – multiple times throughout the day – I will be updating the running tally of how close we are to our $10,000 fundraising goal. Our fundraiser will end when we hit that $10,000 mark.
HERE’S HOW TO DONATE TO THE BIELANKO FAMILY FIRE EMERGENCY FUNDRAISER
There are several ways you can give.
1 – You could make a monetary gift of any amount (even $5 helps!) via my sister Betsy’s PayPal account <FUNDRAISING IS NOW CLOSED>. Please indicate that your gift is for the Bielanko Family Fire Fund. Betsy and I promise to be very careful stewards of every penny that anyone is kind enough to donate, and all funds will then be distributed directly to Serge and Monica. (Please be aware that this is not a tax deductible donation you will be making, but is instead a private gift to a specific family in need)
2 – If you would rather send a check, that’s great too. Please make it out to Serge and Monica Bielanko, and send it to this address: Bielanko Family Fire Fund/<FUNDRAISING IS NOW CLOSED> (Again, please be aware that this is not a tax deductible donation you will be making, but is instead a private gift to a specific family in need.)
3 – You could also send a gift certificate or card from either Target or Walmart (please use one of these two specific retailers because they are local to the Bielankos) to be used toward groceries, gas or clothing/shoes for the children. Please send gift certificates to <FUNDRAISING IS NOW CLOSED>
If you are unable to make a monetary gift to help, you can still play an important role by sending a link to this fundraising page to others, or posting it on your Facebook page or blog to spread the word to others who may want to give.
THANKS Y’ALL!
LET”S DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR SOME GOOD FOLKS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED.
READY….SET….GO!!!!
I am so sorry to hear about the fire. I hope the Bielanko’s will be able to get back on their feet quickly. So thankful no one was injured.
so good of you to do this, katie. i’ll certainly be participating. wishing monice, serge, and their little ones much love and light.
Our family is donating $100, with love to the Bielankos – Katie
Love you for doing this. Spreading the word!
Thank you SO much to you and Betsy for facilitating a way for them to receive funds. I have added what I can and I will be sharing. I have no doubt that we can get to $10,000.
I just sent some cash via paypal. Just to confirm, the name that comes up under Betsy’s email address is Clyde Tant. Is this correct? If not, Merry Christmas Clyde Tant!
Yep! Clyde Tant is the name you would see on the correct PayPal address!!
oh my God! The fire was started in the room with the daughter? She had to rescue her daughter? I had read the differently:
Serge and Monica Bielanko, their 3-year-old daughter and their 1-year-old son were eating lunch downstairs when the fire broke out, said Christine Smith, the girlfriend of Serge Bielanko’s brother.
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/05/3041127/family-of-4-safe-after-walker.html
This gets more horrific. As soon as I get paid on Friday, I will contribute. This is terrible. Thanks for putting this together
Frannie, I spoke with Monica last night, and she tells me that Violet was in her bedroom which was in flames when Monica found her. – Katie
I don’t have much, but I know a little bit goes a long way. My thoughts are with the Bielankos!! xoxo
In for $100. Thanks for setting this up, Katie! Discovered Monica only a year or so ago, but adore her writing (and everyone else in the fan, too!)
Thanks again!
Ali
Just made a donation via Paypal. I feel so bad for them as I know how much they loved that house. I imagine their landlord feels awful too – he came across as a great guy. I’m just so glad Monica, Serge, Violet and Henry are safe, as are their beloved dogs.
(Just an FYI – according to reviews at Target.com, giftcards that are sent via email can only be used online which might not be what Monica and Serge need right now, but actual cards can be purchased online and mailed).
I can’t give much, but sent a little something.
the Osbornes are good for $250 and send our love to Serge, Monica, Violet and Henry. stay strong, y’all. we’re holding you close in both thought and prayer.
Be careful with paypal donations. They (paypal) will keep the money if you are collection donations for a non-charity. Checks are safer. (See Regretsy Christmas paypal issue.)
Could someone please verify this as I donated earlier this morning via PayPal as a “gift” and the money has been removed from my account. I want to make sure Monica and family receive it.
Julie- if you’re Juliemagruder then it has been received. Thank you!!
Thanks for letting me know, much appreciated!
J and I are in!
My stomach turned as I read about this last night.Thank God the 4 of them and the pups are alright!
Thanks for spreading the word, Katie!!!!
xo, misha
I am a long time reader of both mampundit and thegirlwho. I will definitely be donating. I only live about 2 hours away from the Bielankos. So please know (and let them know, for now or later on) that if there’s any footwork that needs done, or manpower needed, my husband and I are more than available. Plus we have lots of extra kids stuff, clothes, etc. that we’d be happy to pass on. (You can contact me at my email addresss, via this post, right?)
Sent $100 Target gift card to Betsy’s email address. Hope it goes through! Praying for Monica and her family.
Thanks for this, I am reposting this immediately to my site!
Hi all. Just want you to know that money is coming in so fast that my head is spinning.(-: I will be sending the first round to them in the morining.
Do you know, did the family have insurance?
If they have renters insurance they will have coverage for additional living expense which will pay for rent at another place until they can move back into their home. It is imperative that they contact their agent and turn in a claim. they also need to inventory their personal property that was lost. (It is easier to do room by room; ie, each child’s, their bedroom etc}.
Katie said:
“unfortunately – and to their eternal regret – they were not adequately covered by renters’ insurance”
I’m sorry for the family, but what is wrong with people here. Why doesn’t anyone get insurance?
Speaking from bitter experience, when you are living from paycheck to paycheck, insurance seems like a luxury. And you just don’t expect anything that bad to happen to you. A tragedy is really not the kindest time to draw attention to poor choices. I’m sure the Bielankos wish they had purchased insurance, just as we did, but that’s beside the point now.
Back in the day, I never had renter’s insurance either. I don’t think I even knew it existed. When my NYC apartment was robbed I lost my older irreplaceable camera and jewelry and got nothing for either. I think more people have heard of renter’s insurance nowadays (my losses were a long time ago) but it’s still not something most people have.
I have been a ” lurker” at Monica’s blog since Brooklyn and here at MamaPundit for a couple of years. Both families seem as if they are an extended family in that weird way that only the internet can provide. Katie and Betsy, thank you so much for proving once again that ” community” has many definitions and that compassion and kindness are your middle names.
Paying it forward myself this morning with a small donation. I feel so bad for them.
I have a Violet too and I can’t imagine having to rescue her from a fire! Horrible. So glad everyone is safe. I sent a little bit of money. Wish it could be more. Godspeed Bielankos.
Posting my cheque in the morning. I too am a lurker here, over at The Girl Who, and too many other places to mention. After all the hard work they’ve put into their house, and into their lives in a new place, this sucks big time. I’m thinking of them.
Holy doodle! How horrible! I’m so glad everyone made it out safely though.
Just sent a small donation. Thank god everyone is ok, sorry she lost all of your mementos. This tragedy helped me realize i need to get a fire proof safe.
Made a small donation, this was very scary to read
This is such a terrible thing to happen, I’m so sorry for Monica, Serge and the whole family. I’ve just sent a little donation via paypal too.
Thanks for setting this up!!
Sending you a check on behalf of my wife & myself. It will be in the mail tomorrow morning. I hope to send more in the upcoming weeks. Serge is like a brother to me.
TT
This is awful news. I’m so glad everyone’s o.k. Thank you for getting folks together to help.
Will send a little, which is all I have right now, to Betsy. Thanks for letting us know,and here’s hoping they can pull it all together before long. So thankful no living beings were hurt.
Thanks for giving us a way to help, Katie. A little more in the pot from me and my family.
This is such a terrible tragedy for their family. I gave some, but I’d love to send stuff for the kids. Do you know what sizes they are?
i was thinking the same thing! let me know what you find out, sarah!
I would be happy to make a cheerful funky kid quilt or two if that would be useful.
Regarding donations of second-hand stuff: while it seems like a wonderful thought, I know some folks who lost everything in a house fire. The mom was very clear that donated household items from strangers were the opposite of helpful. They pile up very quickly and most of them aren’t useful and then take up time/effort being sorted and disposed of. Money and gift cards allow the family to restore only what they need. Also when living in temporary quarters (as they will be) you can’t store tons of stuff let alone stuff you may not need.
So don’t be offended if they don’t want your used things. It isn’t as helpful as you’d think. Better to have a tag sale and give them the proceeds!
My experience was different so at some point people might want to check with them directly. We furnished our entire house with donated goods. We could never ever have received enough money and gift cards to do the job. People were kind enough to hold on to the big things until we had somewhere to put them, and the other items (including clothes for the whole family) were stored at my sister’s. Katie, if they haven’t done this already you might want to suggest they find a point person to handle the offers of donated goods. My sister handled all that for me and it was beyond helpful.
This just really breaks my heart. For two people to put so much time, effort and love into a home that they are renting and then to have it end like this is just too much! I hope that at least some of their hard work will be intact in the home and that they’ll some day live in it again or find another place that resonates with them just as much as that one did. I’m thankful that everyone made it out safely and send thoughts of comfort to all of them, particularly little Violet and Henry, who must have been very frightened.
Will send what little I can to help – I have known Serge and Monica for many years and they are great people.
Is there a better way than PayPal to send money from the UK? Don’t want them to lose out because of those pesky charges.
Very cool that you set this up this quickly…hoping the whole thing lightens the load a bit. Know it can’t bring back all that you’re missing but thinking it might keep you warm while you build back up to ‘normal’. Winter is an especially tough time to be without your home…I thank God for ours each day…humble though it might be…it provides warmth, shelter, memories, and a demonstration of the heart of our family/clan. Hoping yours is kept aflame until you have a new place to call your own. Peace. Let me know if you need any physical help in the coming months…you’re never that far from Philly-way. We can all get there in a hurry if you need to dance around w some old friends…or need some help hauling somethin’…or someone to drown a sorrow or two along side…
Larry B.
Sent what I could via paypal. Thanks Katie for setting this up. Serge and Monica are great people. I’m so relieved that the family is unharmed and they have a temporary place to stay. PLease keep us posted on other ways to help out.
Thank you for doing this. The Girl Who is the first blog i check everyday and when i read that and didn’t see anything about donating to them i figured i would try your blog! Thank you for putting this together for them. I will be donating. They are both terrific writers. Thank goodness everyone was able to make it out safely.
i was just sitting around impatiently waiting for Serge to post some new amazing writing to knock my socks off when i saw this. i shared everywhere and will make a donation as well, thanks Katie for setting this up. love to all.
So grateful they are all safe – and yes, we will mobilize all of our online moms and dads to help the family get back into their home.
Thank you for doing this!
MONICA
sending chai their way.
So glad they are okay, and this is SO not directed at them, but as a cautionary plea to other readers: Many smart and normally cautious people still do not know renter’s insurance even exists, or incorrectly think their landlord’s policy covers them, or think it is too expensive. And no one prompts renters to get insured, the way homeowners are forced to get insured when they take out a mortgage, so it is easy to overlook it. If you are reading this blog right now and you or anyone you know rents, you need to pick up the phone now and get them to contact an insurance agent TODAY. Renter’s insurance typically costs as little as $10 to $20 a month and it means that after a fire or a tornado or a burglary, you are covered for the replacement value of what you own. If you have your grandmother’s once-lovely 30-year-old sofa that is so grungy Goodwill wouldn’t want it, but it is destroyed in a fire and would cost $750 to replace with “like kind and quality,” with renter’s insurance you get reimbursed for the $750. Without insurance, you must depend on whatever donations you receive. Speaking as someone who has experienced two fires, one with no coverage and one with full coverage, the cost of replacing every item of clothing, every pot, pan, towel and sheet, every book, CD or toy can be exorbitant — financial trauma on top of what is already terrible emotional trauma and dislocation. ESPECIALLY if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you need renter’s insurance. Look around at other expenses… could you cut out all or part of your monthly cable bill, or a fast food meal for two, or earn a few extra bucks babysitting for someone one evening a month? Because any one of those things would cover a renter’s insurance premium. Please spread the word to anyone you know who may not be aware how easy and how wise it is to be covered. And if you have a younger sibling or a friend or a parent who needs it but can’t afford it, consider covering the cost of a policy as a Christmas or birthday gift.
Karen, you are so right. $10,000 would have bought renters insurance for YEARS. For several families. Please, people, if you rent a house – do whatever it takes to pay for renters insurance. It’s CHEAP. Sure, it’s not that likely your home will burn to the ground – but what if the pipes burst and ruin all your computer equipment? What if someone breaks in a steals a bunch of stuff? You need to do anything you can, including eating beans and rice for dinner every frigging night, to pay for renters insurance. The end.
So glad everyone is safe. What a horrifying experience. Sending a little something to help them through.
Love The Girl Who and thank you for setting up this! Sending little that I have in way of a Target card. What a great community!
Sent via Paypal.
Wonderful thing you are doing here.
Love to the Bielanko Family! xo
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Okay Paypal seems to be working for everyone but I’m a little confused. I started with the Send Money page, which only offers a place for an email address and Goods/services/ebay items. I added the email address above but don’t see CLYDE TANT’s name come up in the next screen. Just want to make sure I’m sending to the correct account and should I pay for services or goods. I don’t see a place for making a gift payment.
Rachel, after you click “send money” instead of being under the “purchase” tab, select the “personal” tab instead. Under that tab you will see “gift”. Hope that helps.
THANK YOU! One of those Duh! moments!
Your Welcome Rachel and haven’t we all had those moments (lol)
Send a little via PayPal. They are in my thoughts and prayers!
We just sent $25 via PayPal – First her hair and now this!
long time Philly fans – Mark & Britt
To EVERYONE out there, please know how grateful they are for all of the love and support being offered. Monica and Serge are so overwhelmed and still in shock over everything but are so touched by the outpouring of love! Thank you so much on their behalf, and thank you Katie! Monica adores you and speaks so highly of you, this is just amazing….Thank you. Monica’s mom.