Hundreds dine, help Paulina fire victims

One month after a fierce early-morning fire destroyed two homes and a duplex in the small Crook County town of Paulina, more than 200 people dined on chicken fried steak Saturday evening at a fundraiser held at the Prineville Elks Lodge, raising about $3,000 to assist the fire victims.

Participant Daleyne Carpenter said it was an “awesome turnout,” with over 200 meals served at $10 a plate. Also on the menu: mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and garlic bread.

There also were several other donations, three from businesses donating $500 each, plus donated services such as an architect giving his time to people planning to rebuild. Carpenter said the total raised likely topped $3,000, after expenses.

Paulina is outside any rural fire district, and residents used a bulldozer and fire extinguishers, even the snow to keep the flames from reaching other homes.

The fire brought an outpouring of support for the community, so much so that donations of goods were suspended, according to the fire update page at Paulina-based Rager Emergency Services (http://rageres.org/news.html) though a link for donations via PayPal is still in place..