Beloved legacy businesses Gumba’s Restaurant and the Village Baker in Blairsden were totally destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Sept. 15, leaving a community still in shock.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, volunteers from White Sulphur Springs Ranch are holding a fundraiser for the victims of this tragic fire. It will be held at the Graeagle Fire Hall from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Event organizer Tim Buckhout has arranged for a ranch-style barbeque dinner, complete with all the trimmings, including music and a silent auction, at the fire hall at 7620 Highway 89 in downtown Graeagle.
“We are all just realizing what the loss means to the general population and especially to the employees who have just lost their livelihood,” said John Lullo, media team leader for White Sulphur Springs Ranch.
Gumba’s management has always been a supporter of community fund raising activities. The upcoming event benefits both businesses but especially their employees, Lullo said.
“Matt and Elizabeth Cruse of Gumba’s have been outstanding community supporters for many years, and now it is time for the community to support them and the Village Baker,” he said. The White Sulphur Spring Ranch board of directors immediately supported a fundraiser to benefit the fire victims, he said.
He also spoke of the tragic loss of the Village Baker: “The Village Baker has been a tourist attraction for decades….it is a tragedy that it is gone and may not return. Meanwhile, the popularity of Gumba’s has increased each year the present owners have been operating it. Their employees are important to the community and WSSR is happy to help.”
Tickets are available online only at WhiteSulphurSpringsRanch.com. The ticket price for adults is $50. Kids under 12 can attend for $25. Call Buckhout at 925-321-3354 for any questions.
