Bedminster Florist business lost to fire

On Saturday April 29th, 2023, Bedminster Florist Inc., experienced a devastating fire that sadly rendered the business completely lost. For those of you who know the owners Lee and Dorene Longell, understand the monumental emotional and financial impact this has on them. For those of you who do not, I thank you in advance for taking a moment to read a bit about them, their business, and what we are hoping to accomplish in this GoFundme fundraiser below for the Longells and their close friend and dedicated employee Thom Diefenbacher.

Lee and Dorene Longell have owned and operated Bedminster Florist for 43 years. In those years, they've played a part in so many important memories of their customers' lives, from celebrating weddings, births, anniversaries, promotions to honoring lives lost and remembered. Thom Diefenbacher is not only a very close friend of the family, but also a loyal employee to the business for 31 years. Once stepping foot into their shop, you entered a world of botanical enchantment, immediately greeted with warmth and welcome by either Lee, Dorene or Thom. They were always eager to meet the needs of their customers through the joy and celebration of flowers and novelty gifts.

Lee and Dorene are like family to me, I grew up calling them Uncle Lee and Aunt Dorene, celebrating holidays and life events at each other's houses. They are both selfless and kind people. Lee and Dorene raised two wonderful sons, Chad and Kyle. Both veterans that served our country with pride. Kyle is actively serving our country in the White House. Lee and Dorene are both supporting and active members in their church, Clinton Presbyterian Church.

The Longells are thankful for the local fire departments and emergency services that arrived at the scene to halt the spread of the fire to any other structures. The Longells are very thankful to neighbors that called in the fire to the police and thankfully no one was injured.

Our goal is to provide financial assistance and support to both Lee and Dorene Longell and Thom Diefenbacher personally during this difficult time to ensure they are able to manage their day-to-day living, as they navigate the next steps, and embark on the long road ahead to recover from this loss.

Thank you for your time and support.