Alexis Banks(right) and Heather LaRock-Banks(left) organized a fundraiser for Devaughn Banks, 12, and Damona King, 4, who both survived a house fire at 3 Vine Street after being rescued by City of Batavia Firefighters in the early morning hours of February 6th, 2025.
The fundraiser was held at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon. The site was offered free of charge and The Kitchen out of Lockport, NY, provided food for the heavily attended event.
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“If it wasn’t for Angela Woods, owner of The Kitchen in Lockport, we would have run out of food, says Alexis. When we realized the amount of tickets we sold, Angela realized we needed a lot more food, she’s like, “I got you.”
Any of the donations received, will be used for Devaughn and Damona’s immediate needs, as well as any medical expenses or future education needs.
If you were unable to attend today, contact Heather at 585-993-1106.
Alexis says Devaughn and Damona are doing well and were released from the hospital a few weeks ago. Devaughn was in attendance at the fundraiser today.
“He wasn’t able to attend the funeral, he was still in the hospital at the time. So, for him he had no real closure in the situation. This is for him more than anything, because if you look at him, he’s happy, he’s smiling, we haven’t seen that in 3-4 weeks, he’s kind of himself today,” says Alexis.
Mrs. Notaro at Jackson School and Ms. Terry with Head Start assisted in finding a location for today’s fundraiser.
“When we came here, the pastor was amazing when we first walked in. He was more than willing to help, they donated this space for free, it was just amazing how the entire community came together with open arms, no judgement, no nothing,” says Heather.
Heather and Alexis say they felt overwhelmed by the community support today.
“It’s amazing to see Batavia come together to just support children. Children are our future, and without them were not going to have one, it’s just amazing to see everybody in support, especially the schools, John Kennedy, the Middle School, everyone. It’s sad that it takes a tragedy for everyone to come together, but the love that’s out there is overwhelming,” says Heather.
“I just want to say thank you to the entire community, everybody who has open arms and understands and just wants to be helpful and puts kids first.”
