Wendy Wallace was an hour into her shift as cook at Bromley Hall dining hall when she overheard a volunteer fireman's radio announce that her house had caught fire.
I was standing just a few feet from him
and I heard it come over his radio Wallace said.
Wallace's son, five-year-old Ryan, was away at kindergarten April 22 when an electrical fire in the attic of their three-bedroom home in Athens burned everything in sight.
It's a total loss Wallace said. We lost absolutely everything. Except for this uniform.
Wallace, 41, grew up in Athens and has worked at Ohio University for five years. She purchased the house three years ago and is still in the process of repaying her mortgage, she said.
Ann Richards, Wallace's co-worker, began raising money for Wallace the day after the incident.
I just hate to see anybody go through anything like that
Richards said. Wendy's a single mom and ... it's hard making it on one income.
Richards has been asking for donations from co-workers, other OU staff members, friends and students.
We knew we couldn't do it all at once
and it's tough for people to give a lump sum
Richards said, but if everybody gave $5
or everybody gave a dollar
every little bit adds up.
Richards is also selling tickets for a raffle to help Wallace, which will be held Friday during lunch hours at the Bromley dining hall. Another co-worker donated the raffle prize, a handmade afghan decorated in OU colors with a Bobcat-style paw print.
I've been really proud of how much dining services has come together for Wendy
Richards said.
Wallace said she was overwhelmed with the outreach from community members and co-workers.
Everybody's definitely been sympathetic to the situation
Wallace said. The students
the staff
