Lauren Roman Apartment Fire
Donation protected
Many of you know our dear friends Todd and Nancy Roman and their two amazing children, Lauren and Austin. Last Friday, May 29, Lauren's apartment building caught on fire (presumably from a lightning strike). It started in a part of the building far enough away from them we thought for sure the firefighters would have it out before it reached their section of the apartment building. Boy were we wrong! Watching the videos she was sending was unbelievable. It was devastating for Todd and Nanc to be so far away and not be there with them.
Lauren and her boyfriend, Hunter, were able to evacuate but without any of their belongings besides their keys, phones and clothes they were wearing (pajamas). The fire was eventually put out but not until a significant portion of the top floor was burned. Their apartment is the second floor (middle) so although they didn't have extensive fire damage their belongings are trashed from water, smoke, etc.
They have not been allowed back in due to the apartment not being structurally safe but firefighters went in and threw as much of their clothing and items out the window that they could. Thankfully their debit cards and drivers licenses were among the items recovered. Their clothes have been washed several times and unfortunately most are not able to be warn because of the smell. They've lost everything from their laptops to their silverware and just about everything in between.
The good news is they are moving into another apartment on Tuesday but obviously they need EVERYTHING! I'm hoping we can all pitch in a little and help get them back on their feet in their new apartment. I know times right now are hard for everyone but if you can help in any way it will be greatly appreciated.
As many of you know, Lauren's second home is on the water rowing with her UCF teammates. Go Knights! The outpouring of love and support they have already received from her coaches and teammates is simply amazing. I know Todd and Nanc are so grateful to have the UCF team and coaches as part of their family.
As an NCAA athlete we have to be careful with how funds are managed for Lauren. We have worked with the UCF Athletics Compliance office to ensure this GoFundMe is conducted in accordance with the NCAA legislation. The proceeds from this GoFundMe will be used to replace belongings lost in the fire. Any excess proceeds will be distributed to a not-for-profit entity.
If you would like to help in any other way besides this GoFundMe account please contact Todd or Nancy so they can run it by the UCF Athletics Compliance office first.
Click here for News Coverage of the fire.
Lauren and her boyfriend, Hunter, were able to evacuate but without any of their belongings besides their keys, phones and clothes they were wearing (pajamas). The fire was eventually put out but not until a significant portion of the top floor was burned. Their apartment is the second floor (middle) so although they didn't have extensive fire damage their belongings are trashed from water, smoke, etc.
They have not been allowed back in due to the apartment not being structurally safe but firefighters went in and threw as much of their clothing and items out the window that they could. Thankfully their debit cards and drivers licenses were among the items recovered. Their clothes have been washed several times and unfortunately most are not able to be warn because of the smell. They've lost everything from their laptops to their silverware and just about everything in between.
The good news is they are moving into another apartment on Tuesday but obviously they need EVERYTHING! I'm hoping we can all pitch in a little and help get them back on their feet in their new apartment. I know times right now are hard for everyone but if you can help in any way it will be greatly appreciated.
As many of you know, Lauren's second home is on the water rowing with her UCF teammates. Go Knights! The outpouring of love and support they have already received from her coaches and teammates is simply amazing. I know Todd and Nanc are so grateful to have the UCF team and coaches as part of their family.
As an NCAA athlete we have to be careful with how funds are managed for Lauren. We have worked with the UCF Athletics Compliance office to ensure this GoFundMe is conducted in accordance with the NCAA legislation. The proceeds from this GoFundMe will be used to replace belongings lost in the fire. Any excess proceeds will be distributed to a not-for-profit entity.
If you would like to help in any other way besides this GoFundMe account please contact Todd or Nancy so they can run it by the UCF Athletics Compliance office first.
Click here for News Coverage of the fire.
Fundraising team (2)
Rhonda Williams
Organizer
Avon, OH
Lauren Roman
Beneficiary
Nancy Roman
Team member