Fundraiser Planned Sunday For Family Of 7 Year-Old Fire Victim

DUNN, N.C. — The Dunn community is coming together this weekend to support the family of a 7-year-old boy who died in a tragic apartment fire on the Fourth of July.

According to the Dunn Daily Record, Pizza Inn, located at 1138 W. Broad St. in Dunn, will host a fundraiser Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to help the family of Cashmere Elijah Parker with funeral expenses.

Cashmere died July 4 after a fire at Ashbrooke Apartments on East Pope Street. Investigators have said the blaze was caused by an improperly used illegal firework that entered the family’s apartment.

During Sunday’s fundraiser, a bake sale will be held inside the restaurant, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Parker family. In addition, 10 percent of all restaurant sales during the event will be donated to help the family.

A raffle will also be held, with tickets available for $5 each.

Several local businesses have donated money, baked goods and raffle items to support the fundraiser, including Sherry’s Bakery, Tart’s Strawberry and Produce, and Inomancy Home Care, the newspaper reported.

Anyone wishing to donate or seeking additional information about the fundraiser can contact Rhonda Rios at 910-658-9058.

The fundraiser comes as the Dunn community continues to mourn the loss of Cashmere, who was remembered by family, friends and educators as a joyful child whose kindness and bright smile touched everyone around him.