Credit: Patrick Grego
The Stanford community is rallying to support the Kemmerer family after a fire devastated their century-old farm in July. On Sept. 28, the “Autumn Harvest Fundraising Brunch” will be held at Bangallworks in Stanfordville to help the family rebuild. The event, planned for rain or shine, aims to raise significant funds for recovery efforts.
Featuring a silent auction, autumn harvest foods and beverages under a tent, the event is one of many community-oriented gatherings, such as Pride and Oktoberfest, hosted by Bangallworks. “The community’s spirit of giving is contagious,” said Steve Bruman, who owns and operates the community-centric co-working space with his partner Tom Ambler.
Stanford Town Supervisor Wendy Burton and Julia Desceatuex, a member of the town board, have led the charge in organizing financial support for the Kemmerer family. They initially set up a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised $41,744. A separate fundraiser organized by Courtney Haire has brought in an additional $29,473, highlighting the community’s commitment to helping the Kemmerers recover.
“There just happens to be two fundraisers, but we’re all on the same path in terms of helping the Kemmerers,” said Burton. “The community has been really generous.”
The silent auction will feature more than 40 donated items valued at more than $10,000, including gift cards, local business services like landscape work by Down to Earth Landscaping, horseback riding lessons, shooting lessons and custom dog portraits by local artist Karen Sergio.
Tickets for the brunch range from $35 to $1,000. “We are a small community, and we have to take care of each other,” said Desceatuex. “Our community has exhibited the fact that they can reach down deep and contribute however they can.”
“Our aim is to buy John a John Deere tractor. It’ll be a used one, but it will still cost anywhere from forty to sixty thousand dollars,” Burton said. Though the primary goal of the fundraiser is to fund the tractor purchase; all additional proceeds will directly support the Kemmerer family.
Known for their dedication to the community, the Kemmerers plan to attend the event. “They’re so profoundly sincere and hardworking and devoted to our community; you can’t help but react to them,” Burton said. “This is a family that has given back to the community for a hundred years. They are well-loved and well-respected.”
Credit: Patrick Grego
The family remains hopeful thanks to the outpouring of local support. “To each and every one of you who have answered the call for help, there are not enough words to express our gratitude,” the Kemmerer family shared in a note to the Stanford community. “The outpouring of your prayers and support has been tremendous, and we appreciate your heartfelt generosity. We are encouraged to move forward, and we will rebuild! We are here to stay.”
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.