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Fundraiser Monday to benefit Anamosa fire victims
Jun. 20, 2017 12:27 pm, Updated: Jun. 21, 2017 9:12 am
ANAMOSA - Months after a fire ravaged a downtown Anamosa building and destroyed the work of dozens of artists, the Anamosa community has rallied to support those impacted by the fire.
The Anamosa Fire Victims' Benefit takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 25 at The General Store Pub, 12612 Stone City Rd. in Stone City, west of Anamosa. Funds raised go to business owners and residents impacted by the Feb. 18 fire.
'I just think someone needs to stand up and help this town,” said Billylee Janey, an event organizer.
The Anamosa, Marion, Monticello and Martelle fire departments responded to 106 E. Main St. around 4:30 a.m. the day of the fire. The building, owned by KC Kiner Wortman and her husband Doug Wortman is home to Thou Art, a gallery where Kiner Wortman taught classes for adults and children. The Wortman's own the building, which also has apartments on the second floor.
The roof of the building partially collapsed in the fire and Kiner Wortman said 40 people were impacted by the fire, including residents, artists, antique dealers and craft vendors.
Janey, who owns Pistol Annie's Alley in Anamosa with his wife Robyn Janey said the Wortmans have supported them since they opened four years ago. Janey, a well-known blues player and songwriter, tapped on his music connections to organize the benefit. He said he's played plenty of benefits in the past and wanted to organize one to help those impacted by the fire.
'All these artists and the people who lost their building, they need help,” Janey said.
The event will feature music from Janey, The 100s, Muddy Rutts and others. In addition to live music, the benefit features live and silent auctions, a dunk tank, kids' games and activities and other events.
Kiner Wortman said their building has been cleaned out, clearing the way for a new roof to be installed. She is gracious for the fundraiser.
'We really appreciate people pulling together to help the tenants of the building with this fundraising event,” she said.
Janey said he doesn't have a goal in mind for the fundraiser, he just wants to help out those affected by the fire.
'I think we'll just raise what we can and help them the best we can,” he said.
IF YOU GO
What: Fundraiser for Anamosa fire victims
When: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday
Where: The General Store Pub, 12612 Stone City Rd., Stone City
Details: Live music, live and silent auctions, dunk tank, children's games and activities.
l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com
Cars speed by the former Thou Art Gallery building on Main Street in downtown Anamosa in February. The building, which housed the gallery and two tenants, was destroyed in a fire on Feb. 18. A fundraiser to help the victims of the fire takes place Monday at The General Store Pub in Stone City. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
KC Kiner Wortman demonstrates how to paint a tulip at a 'Vinnie Van Vino' painting and wine class at Daly Creek Winery and Bistro in Anamosa on Feb. 23. Kiner Wortman's studio and art gallery was destroyed in a fire on Feb. 18. Some of the only supplies that remained were the bucket of paints and brushes she brought to the class, as well as some newly purchased easels. A fundraiser to support the victims of the fire takes place Monday at The General Store Pub in Stone City. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
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