#B&B Strong… Let the Healing Begin

Tomorrow marks one week since New Year's Day. One week since the devastating fire that destroyed B&B Bowl in Preston. As a part-time employee at "the alley," the B&B is my second home. Shelly and Paul Hanson are not only the owners and my employers, but my friends and my family in every sense of the word. My co-workers are my family. We are not related by blood, but we are bonded by what's even more important - a lot of love for each other and the alley.

The morning of the fire, I stood with my co-workers and watched it burn. I watched firemen crying because they could not do more to save our home. I watched Shelly and Paul's world collapse. And yet, after witnessing all of this, I still cannot believe it. I still cannot wrap my brain around the fact that it's gone. My heart aches. I cry for myself. I cry for my co-workers who are out of a job. I cry for Shelly and Paul. I cry for the community that has lost their gathering place.

The people of Preston and surrounding towns loved the B&B as much as we did. Our customers were our friends. The community has done so much to help us already through GoFundMe accounts. It's amazing and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

It's time for me to stop crying and let the healing start. It's time for me to be #B&BStrong - our new motto. Part of that healing is helping a great group of ladies organize a fundraiser for rebuilding to be held March 5 at Wheeler's in Harmony. Silent and live auctions will be held. Dinner will be served 5 p.m. till gone with music and dancing with D J Digger to follow. All proceeds will be given to Shelly and Paul for rebuilding. The Hanson's have always given to people in the community when needed. They are prime examples of "Preston Pride".

It's our turn to give back to them so they can rebuild their lives and their business. If you would like more information about the fund raiser or would like to donate to the auction, two of the committee members are Deb Finseth 507-251-5839 or Brit Reicks 507-696-8296.

Thank you, a thousand times, to EVERYONE who has helped already. We feel your concern, your support and your love for us. We will get through this with your help. We are #B&BStrong!