Winchester church helps raise money for family in need

By: Melissa Etezadi - Email

Updated: Sun 11:48 PM, Apr 29, 2012

One community reached out to help a family devastated by a house fire in February.

Five-year-old Jaqcelyn Chestnut and her four-year-old sister, Rachel, died when their Cythiana home caught fire back in February. Their father, Terry, suffered critical injuries. As a way to help them get back on their feet the Mt. Zion Christian Church in Winchester held a benefit concert for them.

"I don't know the family very well," explains David Sherman, the event organizer, "but when I heard what happened to them I was moved. I knew I needed to do something for them."

Sherman, along with a dozen others, put together a benefit concert for the family this evening. "It was a success, we raised more than $3,000. This is going to really help the family."

More than a hundred people attended the benefit. "I can't say thank you enough," explains Shelly Chestnut, the mother of the victims.
"Every day is a struggle, we are in pain but the love and support from the community helps ease that pain."

Fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire. Terry, the father, suffered critical injuries but was able to attend the event this evening.

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