Communities step up to help Vail Meadows - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Communities step up to help Vail Meadows

From dinner benefits to 5k runs, Northwest Ohio communities are stepping up to help.

Byron Swartz is one of many Lake High School students trying to make a difference for Vail Meadows.

"I loved every minute I got to spend out there at the organization, its awesome," he said.

Jennifer Lehman adds, "It feels good to help people especially Vail Meadows with what they're going through right now."

For the last 2 years, they've organized a run to benefit the therapy riding center called "Run for the Meadows."  But this year the fundraiser has special meaning, after a fire devastated the organization.

"The way I see it, its not much different from when the tornado went through this community," Swartz said.  "Its amazing to see people pull together and we're already seeing that."

Early Thursday morning, 10 horses and other animals died in a barn fire.  They weren't your ordinary horses.  They were specially trained animals who provide a unique form of treatment for children with special needs and adults with disabilities.

Firefighters say it was fully engulfed when they arrived on scene, leaving no chance to save the animals inside.

"We feel like we want to help them out," Don Klatt, the general manager of Icons in Oregon said. 

The restaurant and bar has a working relationship with the program.  They've provided food during some of Vail Meadows fund raisers.

In less than 24 hours, a benefit spaghetti dinner was organized.  All of the proceeds will go right back to Vail Meadows.

"What they do is an amazing thing and being in the community we like to help out other businesses in the Oregon area," Klatt said.

The road to rebuilding won't be an easy one for the employees, but with the help of generous communities, the barn will stand again.