Relatives Host Fundraiser For Family Whose House Caught Fire

A Green Country family who lost half of their home in a fire earlier this year is getting help.

On Saturday night, American Legion Post 131 in Skiatook held a benefit dinner for the family.

People kept walking through the door to get food and support Thea and Ty Anderson.

The couple said their house caught on fire in the middle of February's winter freeze damaging half their home and forcing them to move for six months.

"We see it through and we just kind of keep on rolling with the punches," said Sons of the American Legion member Ty Anderson.

His wife Thea Anderson says she was teaching an English class on Zoom when the fire started.

"When he yelled at me that he needed help, and I walked in and there was fire coming up from our floorboards," Thea said.

Ty is an ex-firefighter and was trying to defrost the pipes.

That's when they say a fire ignited under the kitchen.

"I had remodeled the entire house, along with the kitchen cabinets, I mean I had gutted everything," Ty said.

They say the fire ruined their kitchen and living room, along with some furniture and appliances.

Due to smoke damage, they had to stay somewhere else.

The couple moved back in last month but are limited to one room.

"We still have no kitchen and no living room. We're waiting for renovations to finish those up," Thea said.

That's why their daughter-in-law Emma RedCorn-Dye wanted to help.

She helped plan a benefit dinner at American Legion Post 131, where Thea is the Auxiliary President.

"We're doing this to at least get them back on their feet," RedCorn-Dye said.

Dozens of people came throughout the night, and Thea says she's hopeful their home can be back to normal soon.

"The response has just been overwhelming. And we're just very grateful for everyone and what they've helped do," Thea said.

Thea says they're running out of the money their insurance provided, so she's hoping Saturday night's fundraiser will help them move forward.