Community rallies for Fort Worth council member after lightning strike fire
Residents are rallying to support City Council member Charlie Lauersdorf and his wife Amanda after a lightning strike caused a fire and significant smoke damage in their far north Fort Worth home.
The strike hit the house in the Parkwood Hill neighborhood a little after midnight on April 26, Lauersdorf said in a text message to the Star-Telegram.
Members of the Heritage & Alliance Area Community Facebook group had raised $12,179, as of 11 a.m. on April 27 to help the Lauersdorfs rebuild, according to a GoFundMe page.
“If you know Charlie and Amanda, you know this… They show up! For Charlie’s district, for our community, and for anyone who needs both of them,” said Keller school board trustee Chelsea Kelly in a blog post attached to the fundraiser.
“Now it’s our turn to show up for Fort Worth City Councilman Charlie and Amanda,” she said.
Lauersdorf is always willing to answer constituent concerns, and never complains, said Heritage Homeowners’ Association vice president Jennifer Samuels in a Facebook post promoting the fundraising effort.
“Here’s an opportunity to help lessen his stress at a very difficult time,” she said.
Lauersdorf said in a text message he was overwhelmed by the community support from friends, neighbors and complete strangers.
“Reminds me of how much good is out there, but is usually overshadowed by the noise,” he said.
He also took time to highlight the work of Fort Worth firefighters, who he said risk their lives every day to help their community.
“I was in the attic putting out a small fire for MAYBE 2-3 minutes and my throat STILL hurts — I can’t imagine what firefighters have to deal with on a constant basis,” Lauersdorf said in a text.
He urged residents to donate to Fort Worth Firefighter Charities to thank firefighters for their service.
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