Outpouring of Support Helps Kemmerer Family Recover After Devastating Fire

Nearly 200 residents gathered at Bangallworks on Sept. 28 to support the Kemmerer family at the Autumn Harvest Fundraising Brunch, a community effort to help the family rebuild after a fire in July destroyed their century-old farm in Stanford. With people contributing both in person and from their cars as they passed by, the event raised more than $25,000.

“I’m speechless. It’s just so above and beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Clara Kemmerer, reflecting on the generosity of the community.

The fire, which destroyed barns and essential equipment, had left the Kemmerers uncertain about their future. But the event, which featured a silent auction, autumn harvest foods and a wide variety of local goods, has helped them take significant steps toward recovery. Funds raised at the brunch, combined with a GoFundMe campaign, have allowed the family to replace 70% of its equipment, including a hay baler, a delivery truck and a used John Deere tractor.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever fully rebuild, we’ll never replace everything,” John Kemmerer said. “But with all the outpouring of support, we’re going on, we’re going to build back better.”

The Kemmerers are currently receiving bids on a new barn and expect to resume hay production next year.

The event at Bangallworks, hosted by owners Steve Bruman and Tom Ambler, attracted a wide cross-section of the community. Bruman, whose co-working space has become a hub for local events, praised the response.

“It was spectacular,” said Bruman. “The donations — for such a small town — for people to pull this off,  it’s really outstanding.”

Stanford Town Supervisor Wendy Burton echoed Bruman’s sentiments, describing the fundraiser as a testament to the strength and spirit of the town. “We had a family in need and our community showed up,” she said. “It’s been not only energizing but gratifying to see.”

For many, the event was not just about helping a family in need, but also about strengthening bonds. “The silver lining in the tragedy that happened at Kemmerer Farm is that it really did help to bring the community together,” said Rick Antanoff, a resident of Stanford. 

As donations continue to come in, the Kemmerers are more hopeful than ever. “I know we have a lot of good friends and neighbors, but I never would have imagined the community would have reached out in the way that they did,” John said.

Tracy Springer, a Stanfordville resident, summed up the sentiments of many who attended: “We’re here to support a great cause, and we’re very happy that we did.”