Windsor-Essex's arts community has begun to rally around the family of a local comedian whose home was lost in a weekend fire.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of Jen Richardson, whose home on Moy Avenue in Windsor was destroyed Thursday night.
Windsor fire officials say the fire caused about $750,000 in damage. The cause remains undetermined. Richardson was not home, but her husband was able to escape. The couple's eight-year-old daughter was at summer camp.
The family lost their pet cat in the blaze.
Windsor Laughs, a local comedy club, organized the fundraiser.
"As you can imagine, their family is facing an unimaginable time, and they need our help," read the GoFundMe page. "Jen is also a local comedian, producer, and longtime supporter of the Windsor comedy scene. Let’s come together as a community to support them as they begin the long road to rebuilding their lives."
The fundraiser set a $26,000 goal to help the family replace essentials and find temporary housing. As of late Tuesday afternoon, $21,920 was pledged.