A crowd-funding campaign has been set up to help a Richmond family whose home was ravaged by fire last month.
According to the GoFundMe page, on Sept. 27, at about 6 p.m., 15-year-old Sam Levin was home alone when the family dog alerted him to a problem on the main floor of his family-of-four’s townhome.
Barefoot, Sam apparently rushed downstairs and discovered an out-of-control fire in the family kitchen.
He is reported to have then grabbed their dog, Leo, and ran outside - closing the front door behind him.
According to the fundraiser, kicked off by family friend Carla Todesco, fire investigators have not yet identified the cause of the blaze, but said that Sam's quick action, and “especially his decision to close the door behind him” most likely saved the upper floor of the Levin home and adjacent condominiums from destruction.
“The damage to the main floor of their home is devastating,” wrote Todesco.
“There is little doubt that virtually nothing can be saved. Upstairs, smoke damage is very extensive and everything salvageable is covered in soot while reeking of smoke.
“The family has already been told that the entire home will need to be torn down to the studs. This, along with the rebuild is expected to take nine months.”
Todesco added that the condominium structure is insured, but all modifications made in the townhome since its original 1976 design are not.
“Likewise, unfortunately, the Levin family possessions are not insured,” she said.
“We are asking for your help with assistance for Alex, Jane, Sam, Maria, and Leo to recover from this devastating loss.”
So far, $3,065 of the $10,000 target has been raised.
To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-levin-family-need-your-help?qid=09ec78a6549ea3023b1ca6a476d7dca6
