On July 29, Ralph and Gloria Wolfe lost their home, their belongings and a family member.
Gloria’s brother Eric Anderstrom was killed when a fire swept through the Wolfe home in Yakutat.
A GoFundMe account has raised almost $35,000 to help the family, and now the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is getting involved. In cooperation with Sealaska Corp. and Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority, the Central Council is hosting a fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. today at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall.
Ralph Wolfe is a member of the Central Council, explained Carley Jackson with the office of the Central Council president.
“Basically, it’s to show the Wolfe family that we care and that we hold them up in this time of trial,” she said.
The fundraiser, according to a draft program provided to the Empire, will include a dance group performance by All Nations Children, a dessert auction, silent auction and outcry auction. Indian tacos will be for sale as well.
The event will close with a blanket dance, remarks from the Wolfe family, and a closing prayer.
Jackson said roughly 25 volunteers are helping with the event.
While the fundraiser was inspired by a tragedy, Jackson said it’s also a sign of hope.
“It’s so wonderful to see so many members of our various communities pulling together for them,” she said.
