On Monday, Oct. 20, the family of Roger and Alisha Patterson lost their home and its entire contents in a fire. Alisha Patterson said, “Around 6 p.m., I rushed out of my house with nothing on but the clothes on my back, flip flops, phone, keys and my purse. I arrived back home just after 7:30 p.m. to watch everything burn right before my eyes.” Patterson went on to say how grateful the family is that the fire did not happen in the middle of the night while they were sleeping. There were no injuries, only the complete loss of family heirlooms and sentimental items. They are currently staying with other family members.
Fundraisers commenced immediately. City National Bank at 109 South Jefferson Street, and the Bank of Monroe at 790 North Jefferson Street in Lewisburg, has set up accounts to receive donations for the family. Checks may be mailed to the banks payable to Rhema Christian Center with “Patterson Family Fire Fund” on the memo line.
S.J. Neathawk’s Lumber Company has a credit line in place for those wishing to donate building funds to the family.
Hamilton Orthopedics in Lewisburg, April’s Pizzeria in White Sulphur Springs have had successful fundraisers this past week.
This Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., the 19th Hole restaurant located upstairs at the Lewisburg Elks Club is hosting an all-you-can-eat spaghetti buffet. Half of all of the proceeds will go directly to the family.
Amber Hinkle of the 19th Hole says, “We are delighted to be able to help the Patterson family. They have become loyal fans of our restaurant. Chocolate covered strawberries are favorites of all of the daughters, and we can usually find them mingling around the dessert tower during Sunday brunch. Roger grew up in our family church, Edgewood Presbyterian, so we have known Roger and his family for years. As a family owned business, we are glad to help this family in their time of need. It is the right thing to do.”
Alisha Patterson adds, “Despite our tragedy, we haven’t had to go through it alone. Thank you all for the kind words, prayers, visits, food, hugs, tears, clothes, cards, money and housing. We are not sure what our future holds, or why we are facing this obstacle, but we know God has it all planned out and it will be fine. God bless everyone who has touched our lives in these last few days.”