For Immediate Release
Johnson County Fire Relief Fund | October 11, 2024
Contact: Meg Scales 
johnsoncountyfirerelieffund@gmail.com
970-219-1436

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR AFFECTED RANCHERS

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH DONATES TO JOHNSON COUNTY FIRE RELIEF FUND

Buffalo, WY – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Buffalo, WY committed a portion of their proceeds from their annual Hoedown Fundraiser to the Johnson County Fire Relief Fund, resulting in a donation of $5,052 for ranchers affected by the devastating House Draw Fire.

The 151,000+ acre fire in Eastern Johnson County was the largest wildland fire recorded in Wyoming’s history and burned mostly on private land, which has and will continue to affect ranching operations that are the backbone of Northern Wyoming’s economy and culture. Johnson County sits in the heart of ranching country and values the “neighbors helping neighbors” way of life. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church quickly acted in the spirit of assisting neighbors by committing their Hoedown efforts towards the fire recovery cause.

"When our area was struck by the wildfires and so many people of our community were impacted by the devastation, the Hoedown Committee made a bold and faithful move to pledge 25 percent of our proceeds to fire relief.  That was the right thing to do for any number of reasons, and that decision was confirmed by the outpouring of support from the people of Buffalo, Episcopalians or not, as they stepped up to purchase tickets and bid on auction items.  It was the generosity of the people of Buffalo that has allowed us to make this donation to the Johnson County Fire Relief Fund," says Fr. Todd Young of the Episcopal Church.

Proceeds went to the Johnson County Fire Relief Fund where donations go directly to Johnson County ranchers in need on an as-needed basis, as determined by a board of local community members, leaders, and officials. Johnson County Fire Relief Fund volunteer Kassie Camino was thrilled by the donation. “Our group of volunteers has worked closely alongside affected ranchers over the last two months and one of the most special and important things we’ve learned is that they feel un-alone as they look toward recovery and the future. There is no doubt we live in a special community and those affected by the fire in our community feel wrapped up in love and support.”

The Johnson County Fire Relief Fund is made possible by the Johnson County Communities Foundation, which is a 501c3. The Fund is eager to partner with other community organizations looking to fundraise and donate to local affected ranchers. To learn more about the Johnson County Fire Relief Fund or to make a donation, visit www.johnsoncountyfirerelieffund.com. 

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Pictured: Kassie Camino (right) of the Johnson County Fire Relief Fund accepting the Hoedown Fundraiser donation from Fr. Todd Young (left) of the Buffalo Episcopal Church