DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — The Upper Dauphin area community came together for a fundraiser on Saturday, benefitting a paraplegic father who lost everything in a house fire, including his dog and thousands of dollars worth of medical equipment.

Residents in the nearby town of Tower City held a pig roast benefit with Durkin Girl’s BBQ, with all of the money going to help Norm Ebersole and his son rebuild after the fire destroyed the home and his medical supplies, including a specialty wheelchair.

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Norm’s 21-year-old son resided with him at the time of the fire, which happened July 2. The house is a complete loss, and the Ebersole’s did not have home insurance, due to the ongoing medical costs related to his disability.

Since the devastating fire, the community has been coming together to raise money, including the pig roast, which was sold out by the end the day. A nearby cafe in Millersburg created a drink in Norm’s honor, with all profits going to helping him rebuild.

Saturday afternoon was filled with pig roast platters, music, raffles, and a Chinese auction to raise as much money as possible. Local businesses and neighbors donated all the items for the raffle. Two pit bikes were donated for auction by “Off Road Motorsports.” The GoFundMe started for the father and son is halfway to reaching its $20,000 goal.

Fortunately, neither Norm or his son were home at the time of the fire, but they did lose their pet dog, Myah. The funds raised will cover their cost of living during the displacement, and help the two get back on their feet.