FORT SMITH, Ark. — Following a fire at Bricktown Brewery in Fort Smith on Wednesday, the local businesses are coming together to help support those who were most affected.
Destiney Cameron, the manager of AJ’s Oyster House in Fort Smith, said she has some friends who are now out of a job after the fire badly damaged the building.
"Losing your job anytime, but especially before the holiday season, I just can't really imagine," Cameron said. "It's something you never expect to happen."
In response, Cameron said she and other local businesses felt the need to step up and help.
On Nov. 17, Cameron said AJ’s Oyster House is hosting a fundraiser with food, music, donations, and a silent auction to help the employees of Bricktown Brewery.
In just over a day, 45 local businesses have offered to donate their food, items, and services for the event. According to Cameron, all proceeds raised will go directly to Bricktown Brewery.
"It is neat to see the community all pull together and everybody just trying to pitch in and do their part for this," Cameron said.
The event will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition, other local businesses have been offering temporary work for those who lost their jobs from the fire. According to the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association, a majority of the businesses in the downtown area will have donation jars available.
"Sometimes we're competing businesses," Director of the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association Stephanie Nugent said. "We all try to work together and support each other in everything we do. It's like family."
Nugent said when one member of their local community gets hurt, they are all affected.
"I just believe that Fort Smith is a strong city where we care about each other,” Nugent said. "And it’s just heartwarming to see what everybody is doing."
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.
