Oakdale Family Displaced by Fire is ‘Starting Over,’ Skyview Looks to Help

The Oakdale family whose townhome was destroyed by fire last month “pretty much lost everything,” according to Deanna Wuotila, a fifth-grade teacher at Skyview Elementary.

The school is hoping to change that.

A May 14 benefit is planned at Skyview to assist the Vang family, one of several displaced by the April 9 fire on Hillvale Avenue North.

The Vangs are currently living with other family members, said Wuotila, who actually has three children from the seven-unit townhome complex in her classroom.

“I feel really passionate about helping these families out,” she said.

While all the families were affected by the blaze, the Vangs are “starting over,” Wuotila said, adding that Hope Church in Oakdale is also working to assist the families.

Related:

Community Looks to Help Victims of Oakdale Fire

During a one-day fundraiser last month, Skyview raised about $1,300.

“The suggested donation was $1 and there were $20 bills in there,” Wuotila said.

Meanwhile, students asked how they can help, and have been creating crafts for a bazaar that will be held at event. The benefit will run from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at Skyview. It will also include:

• concessions;
• $1 bingo (half the proceeds to the winner, the rest to the Vangs);
• a silent auction;
• games;
• a dance (a deejay is playing music for free); and
• a “bouncy house” donated by the North St. Paul Fire Department.

Wristbands will be sold for $5.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers and items for the silent auction. For more information, contact Wuotila at DWuotila@isd622.org.

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