MECHANIC FALLS — Sue and Lou Goulet were visiting their son, Rusty, who was in the hospital after being run over by a snowmobile the day before, when they received a distressing phone call.

Their house was on fire.

The family lost everything.

“This has kind of been a double-whammy for them,” said Jen Kyllonen, a contact point for donations to the family since the Feb. 18 fire.

The nearly-100-year-old house at on Route 121 wasn’t insured. Kyllonen and other members of the Pink Feather Foundation are helping organize a dinner-and-dance fundraiser for the Goulets on March 8 at the American Legion Post 150.

It’s been natural to try to help the couple, Kyllonen said. Sue Goulet is active in the local snowmobile club, community days and the local chamber.

“She’s a lady with big shoulders, she carries a lot,” Kyllonen said. “He’s the guy behind the scenes.”

Echoed Rachel Verrill, also with Pink Feather: “They’re that family that goes out of their way to help other people.”

The Red Cross helped in the immediate aftermath, and they’ve found places to stay. Rusty, in his 20s, is now out of the hospital, recovering from a fractured skull and a blown eardrum, Kyllonen said.

“The goal is to get everyone and just rally for the family,” she said.

The spaghetti dinner runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under.

The dance will be from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $10 per person or $16 for a couple. The event is sponsored by the Pink Feather Foundation, the Legion, the Oxford Chamber of Commerce and Bog Hooters Snowmobile and ATV Club.

Donations are also being accepted at Rainbow Federal Credit Union, NAPA Auto Parts and Better Than Average Cafe in Mechanic Falls.

According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire started on the home’s back porch. The cause is still under investigation.

kskelton@sunjournal.com

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