Help the Alvisi Family Rebuild the Stone Barn

Last night, a massive fire burned the historic Stone Barn in Kennett Square. Thanks to the valiant efforts of our firefighters, the fire did not spread to the adjacent residences, and everyone was safely evacuated from the property. However, the cherished Barn burned to the ground. This loss is especially devastating to one of our Fairville families, the Alvisis, and we are hoping for your help.

For generations, the beautiful Stone Barn restaurant and event venue has been in the family of Fairville past parent and current grandparent, Charlene Thomforde. Charlene's daughter Alex Alvisi and husband Franco have made the Stone Barn their life's work, along with Alex's father, Fairville Trustee and Groundskeeper Kevin Arnold. Charlene and Kevin raised Alex and her brother Nic in the kitchen of the Stone Barn, all of them working together in the kitchen and as waitstaff. Alex and Franco first met when he joined the staff of the Stone Barn as a pastry chef. Alex and Franco live on the Stone Barn property with their two daughters, Olivia (Fairville alumna now in 1st grade) and Evelyn (current Bumblebee).

Instead of preparing for wedding celebrations and holiday feasts, Alex, Franco, Charlene, and Kevin are now facing an enormous rebuild. Expenses will begin mounting almost immediately as they work to clean up the property. Regardless of what insurance might eventually provide, the financial impact of this loss will be tremendous.

The Stone Barn was cherished by many in our community who celebrated their wedding and other special events at this Chester Chester landmark. For decades, the extended Thomforde family put their heart and soul into making the Stone Barn a center of the community. I hope you will join me in rallying together in support of our friends Alex, Franco, Kevin, and Charlene. First and foremost, please hold their family in the Light during this difficult time. We are also grateful for your financial contributions. Donations will be directed to the Stone Barn under the careful stewardship of General Manager Alex Alvisi.

Gratefully,

Maia Tolsdorf

Longtime friend of the family and current Head of Fairville Friends School