Fundraiser Supports Army Couple After Wedding Day House Fire

NORTH POTOMAC, MD — An online fundraising campaign has been set up to gather donations for the family whose North Potomac home was destroyed in a fire the night before their wedding day this past weekend.

The newlyweds — Matthew Denakis and Coral Ben-atar — traveled to Coral's family's home in North Potomac from Fort Benning Army Base in Georgia, where Matthew is on active duty.

About 15 friends and family stayed at the home in the 14900 block of Keeneland Circle before the wedding on Sunday.

The blaze broke out at about 2:30 a.m. while the wedding party was asleep in the home. The occupants woke up to the smell of something burning, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said.

No one was injured, but the fire caused about $300,000 in structural damage and $150,000 in damage to the contents of the home. The couple and their family lost everything, including the majority of their wedding presents and belongings.

Luckily, Coral's wedding dress was stored in a car outside and was safe from the flames.

"Although it was a crazy event and none of us had slept in two days the wedding was amazing," Coral told Patch. "My family needed to just be together and smile before we began the battle of rebuilding. We had an amazing support system to help us decorate with what was left and pull it all off."

The couple and the bride's family needs help getting back on their feet, so a friend started a fundraiser on GoFundMe.

SEE RELATED: Wedding Party Escapes Fire At North Potomac Home

"The Ben-atars have always been wonderful members of our community, and they need our help! I ask that you please donate any amount to help this newlywed couple and family overcome such a tragedy," the fundraiser says.

Coral said they have "no idea" how the fire started and it's still under investigation.

The fire first started in or around a large recycling bin outside the garage. Some people were reportedly smoking in the driveway, leading investigators to believe disregarded smoking materials may have been the cause, Piringer said.

About 65 firefighters responded to extinguish the flames, Piringer said.

"I just want to thank everyone for the support and help," Coral told Patch. "I’m blessed that everyone’s ok."

So far, $770 out of the $10,000 goal has been raised. See the fundraiser here.

(Photos via Coral Ben-atar, Pete Piringer)