CRESTVIEW — A Northwest Florida Wingmen Motorcycle Club fundraiser will benefit Crestview family who lost their home to a fire.
An Oct. 27 fire claimed the home of Jenny, a stay-at-home mom, and Ed McDougald, a law enforcement officer, and their four children.
The motorcycle run, open to all vehicles, starts 9 a.m. Dec. 3 at Hooters restaurant, 180 Cracker Barrel Drive, Crestview. Registration is from 9-11 a.m. and Crestview route stops are the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the American Legion post, and Helen Back Café.
All proceeds go toward the McDougald family and will be presented to them after the run at the café. Donations are welcome.
No one was home when the fire occurred, but the home is considered a complete loss. According to family friend Beth Hallford, fire officials at the scene said the smoke damage was just too great.
When asked what started the fire, Hallford said, "They're thinking what happened was they both smoke, but they smoke outside away from their children. Some ashes from an ashtray blew into a garbage can in the back of their home. It flared up onto the back wall that the kitchen is in and the electrical stuff, and it flared up and went all over."
The McDougalds, who have three girls and one boy, currently rent a home.
As for the family’s needs, Hallford said, "They've actually gotten tons of clothing. I know that they're needing beds for the babies, and just household stuff, like dishes and towels."
Hallford is accepting household donations on the family's behalf. To donate, call her at 768-4907. She will pick up the items if necessary.
For more information, contact Hallford, or Ian Jones, 716-5997.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Motorcycle run to benefit Crestview family