In January 21, 2024, the communities of South Bend and its surroundings were shaken by an unimaginable tragedy. Six children, aged between 17 months and 11 years, lost their lives in a devastating house fire. Because of this, the Michiana region has rallied together to work towards preventing such a tragedy from recurring again.
The South Bend Cubs have worked with the community to organize an online auction. Now the intention is to raise funds to honor the memory of the children. The auction began Friday, February 2, at 10:00 am and will end on Sunday, February 11, at 6:00 pm.
The focal point of this auction is to generate funds for the American Red Cross of St. Joseph County. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Free Smoke Alarm Program, a collaborative effort between the South Bend Fire Department and the American Red Cross.
South Bend Cubs Team President, Joe Hart, expressed the organization’s sorrow over the tragedy. “The South Bend Cubs organization mourns with our community the tragic loss of those children,” said Hart. “We understand no amount of money or donations will bring these children back, but we want to try to help prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.”
The Free Smoke Alarm Program allows individuals to apply for and receive a smoke alarm installation in their private residences at no cost. Applications for free smoke alarms can be obtained at the Central Fire station at 1222 S. Michigan in South Bend or online.
Fire Safety for Everyone
Local communities can explore similar programs offered by their fire departments to enhance fire safety measures. The American Red Cross also extends its support through free Home Fire Safety Education sessions. Additional information and sign-ups available online.
The online auction features a diverse array of items donated by various baseball entities. These include an autographed Ben Zobrist baseball bat, signed baseballs by notable players such as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson, and a Statue Row bobblehead set contributed by the Chicago Cubs. Other exclusive items include bobbleheads featuring Matt Mervis and Mark Prior, as well as autographed baseballs signed by Craig Counsell, Buddy Bailey, Tom Ricketts, Jed Hoyer, and many more.
The South Bend Cubs express gratitude to the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Cubs, Tennessee Smokies, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Cedar Rapids Kernels, Great Lakes Loons, Lansing Lugnuts, Quad Cities River Bandits, and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for their generous contributions to the auction.
To participate in the auction and contribute to the cause, click here.
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