BLOOMINGDALE - Flames consumed the home of Ashley Vitello, a first-grade teacher at Wayne Elementary School, on Jan. 4.
"It was about 1:45 a.m. and my mother heard crackling. When we woke up, there were no flames or smoke, but the bedroom was glowing. Everyone made it out safe, but the house was a total loss," said Vitello.
Now friends and family are rallying to support the Vitello and her husband, Michael, with a benefit set from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on March 2.
"They have been dealt a rough hand, but they manage to stay strong. They're genuine people," said Makenzie Householder, a fellow first-grade teacher at Wayne.
The benefit will be held at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville, and the cost is $25 per person or $50 per couple. Guests are welcome to bring adult beverages, and the event will include dinner, entertainment, drawings and auctions. A babysitting service will also be available at the event.
"Ashley (Vitello) was born and raised in Wintersville and would give anything to anyone. She and her husband are such generous and thoughtful people," said Householder.
Prior to the benefit, drawing tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win 200, or a roll, of instant lottery tickets and the winner will be announced on March 2 at the benefit.
Tickets for the benefit are on sale now and locations can be found on Facebook. For information, contact Householder at (740) 317-5737 or Colleen Shultz at (740) 632-6854.
Those interested in donating can make checks to the Michael Vitello Family Relief Fund at the U.S. Bank in Hopedale.
"The support is very humbling. It's wonderful that the community is so generous and supportive. The generosity is overwhelming," said Vitello.
