MESA Ariz. After losing thousands of donated dollars in a burglary in January, a Pizza Fusion unit here has raised more than $18,000 to help a family that lost two sons in a car accident.
The original donated money, about $8,000, was stolen early on the morning of Jan. 25 when two burglars broke into the Pizza Fusion after a silent-auction fundraiser the day before. The donations were for Frank and Traci Smith, who face growing medical expenses from a car accident in which a drunken driver crashed into their vehicle and killed their sons, 6-year-old C.J. and 11-year-old Nolan.
“Raising money, while it won't erase the personal loss they're experiencing, is the least we could do for the Smith family,” said Vaughan Lazar, president and co-founder of Pizza Fusion, a 20-unit chain based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “Everyone at Pizza Fusion wanted to get behind them. Thanks to some very generous hearts and the collective help of everyone at Pizza Fusion, we were able to regenerate more than the amount of money that was stolen. We hope this money helps the Smiths on the path to healing, both physically and mentally, from this horrible tragedy.”
Frank Smith faces eye surgery, and Traci Smith has a broken pelvic bone and other medical concerns.
“I can't thank all the donors enough for their generosity and kindheartedness,” said Jennifer Parks, managing partner of the Mesa Pizza Fusion. “I have personally witnessed how much the love and support Frank and Traci Smith received has meant to them.”
Police are still investigating the burglary.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].