‘Humanity still exists’: Lincolnites turn out in droves for family that lost home in fire

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — There was a bright spot Friday night for a Lincoln family that’s been through a lot.

What should’ve been just an average weekday morning turned into a nightmare for one central Lincoln family.

The Downs family was sound asleep in the early morning hours of Feb. 18 when a fire at their neighbor’s home began to spread to their own.

SEE ALSO: ‘It was falling apart right before our faces’: Lincoln family in shock after devastating fire

Channel 8 spoke with the Downs the day after that raging inferno destroyed their home and all their earthly possessions.

Husband Gary and wife Terra, along with their children, were able to escape the fire.

The Downs saved their dogs but lost one precious pet in the chaos: their beloved cat, Tink.

SEE ALSO: ‘All of a sudden … it’s Fourth of July’: Fire destroys two Lincoln homes, damages another

The community turned out in droves Friday at a fundraiser in the family’s honor at Kelli’s Pub at 66th and Dudley streets.

Organizer Nikki McKenzie, a longtime family friend, said it shows the true nature of Lincolnites: “that they care, that humanity still exists.”

Lincoln teachers who had the Downs children in their classrooms also showed up.

“I think it was really important to us as a faculty to make sure that they know that we’re wrapping their arms around them, that we love them and just be there for them,” said Anne Hatch, a fifth grade teacher at Maxey Elementary.

There were lots of hugs and tears Friday night.

Terra Downs said they are overwhelmed by all the love.