Fatal Fire: Lemont Rallies After Resident Loses Home, Brother

LEMONT, IL — The Lemont community is rallying around long-time resident Sue Novak after a May 31 house fire which resulted in the death of her brother, Scott Slane. Novak was able to escape during the fire, but her home was destroyed, and her belongings lost.

Novak's dog also died in the fire. Her cat, Shadow, was found alive, hiding under a bed, the next day.

To help Novak, several Lemont businesses have planned fundraising events, and there are several donation bins, set up by the Hope and Friendship Foundation, around town.

"I have to tell you in my 16 years of rallying support I have seen so much need but rarely has someone lost what appears to be everything," Hope and Friendship Foundation Executive Director Terri O'Neill-Borders told Patch. "Sue lost her home, her belongings, her dog, her brother. Sue escaped with her life and her clothes on her back."

Tap House Grill is hosting a fundraiser Wednesday to support Novak. Fifteen percent of all sales on Wednesday will be donated to the family, and there is also a donation jar at the front door of the restaurant, the business said on its Facebook.

The business also set up a GoFundMe for Novak and her family, and over $10,500 has been donated.

223 Main and Amore Yoga have also partnered to hold a free yoga event at 9 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Lemont. The event will be outside on the grass near 223 Main, and while the class is free, there will be a Hope and Friendship Foundation donation bin for Novak.

Donation bins can also be found at Corner Stone Tavern, 103 Stephen St.; Digs on Canal, 316 Canal St.; Next Mex, 319 Front St.; Nick's Tavern, 221 Main St.; and 223 Main, 223 Main St.

O'Neill-Borders said the donation bins will remain in place under the watch of the business owners, and it is a safe drop location for cards, donations and gift cards.

Novak worked at District 113A for many years, and O'Neill-Borders said she has seen many posts from people speaking of Novak's imprint on their lives.

"Well now that power and compassion is coming full circle and I have collected heartfelt notes to her, donations to cover costs she cannot, gift cards to help her rebuild and replace what she can," O'Neill-Borders said. "She will always carry the memory of the painful night, but I hope that the reality of being lifted by those whom she cared for will help her lay her head down at night and know that she was called to this corner of the world with a purpose, and now when she is knocked to the ground we can surround her, lift her up and help carry her through this chapter to the rebuilding chapter."

Hope and Friendship is also accepting donations through PayPal for Novak.

The family thanked the community for their support and said they are overwhelmed by the kindness shown to them.

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