Several months ago, Christine Gunshinan joined the St. Aidan Church Catholic Daughters, an organization that helps families in need, never imagining that she would be a beneficiary of their charity.
But that’s exactly what happened when much of her Foxcroft Avenue house in Albertson was destroyed in an early morning fire last week.
In the wake of the fire, Gunshinan said her neighbors – including members of the St. Aidan congregation where she is a member – have come to the aid of her, her fiance Scott and her two sons, donating all the clothing they can use after their things were destroyed in the fire.
“Everybody’s been so kind,” she said. “It’s a very strong community. Word of mouth travels fast here.”
On Sunday, Aug. 6, community members have organized a fundraiser for the family in Memories Pub at 121 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park. A $25 donation is requested at the door for the event to be held between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. with all proceeds to go to the family.
Beer, wine and soda is being donated for the event by Memories owner Al Olivera. Local merchants are donating food and supplies for the event, including Vincent’s Pizza, Da Angelo’s Pizza, Cedarhurst Paper, Parkway Deli, Dominic’s Deli, Positions, Frantoni’s Pizza, Gino’s Pizza, Angelina’s Pizza and Staples in New Hyde Park.
Two friends of the family got the ball rolling on the fundraiser, Gunshinan said.
Several Mineola School District PTA members have posted messages about the fundraiser to get the word out.
Gunishinan’s recollection of the fire is still hazy. The Albertson Fire Department reported receiving the call about it at 1:55 a.m. on July 24. And by the time they arrived at the scene, approximately ten minutes later, 15-foot flames were shooting out the first floor windows extending to the roof, according to Jason Lesak, first assistant chief of the Albertson Fire Department
“I really don’t know what happened,” Gunshinan said. “I honestly don’t know what woke me up.”
She and her fiance were alone in the house and asleep when she was awakened and realized the house was in flames. She said they quickly exited the house through a side door and were unable to salvage any of their belongings.
The fire has been deemed “suspicious,” according to Nassau County Police arson/bomb squad detectives and an investigation into its origins by the county Fire Marshal’s Office is ongoing.
Gunshinan and her family are currently staying with relatives and she said they are grateful for the help they’ve received and for the upcoming fundraiser.
