Holmdel Community Rallies Support After Family Loses Home To Fire

HOLMDEL, NJ – Members of the community are rallying in support of a mother and son who recently lost their Holmdel Road home to a house fire. From event fundraisers to online donations, friends of the family have pooled time and money to assist Holmdel residents Lisa and Jack Clauser get back on their feet.

The Aug. 22 two-alarm fire at the Clauser residence was reported to 9-1-1 shortly before 10 p.m., according to a source close to the family. Fire departments from Holmdel, Union Beach and Keyport responded to the scene, fighting the flames until the wee hours of the morning.

Low water pressure hindered structural rescue efforts, as TAPInto reports that fire companies responding to the incident had consistent issues with water pressure on the street.

"It was pretty much contained, and then the lack of water played a big part," said neighbor Dana Straniero.

The following morning, a partial roof collapse was evident from the street, with Straniero telling Patch that the home was “completely damaged” following the fire. The blaze is currently under investigation by the Holmdel Police Department and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. Related: Holmdel Structure Fire Reported Over The Weekend

"It was a total loss, it's a shell with the roof gone," said family friend Meagan Solomon-Rodgers of the damage. "You can see through the house ... it's like an open can, is what it looks like. It's a tearjerker when you drive by and it breaks my heart."

A video posted to YouTube depicts the Saturday night blaze:

In the aftermath of the weekend’s events, community members from Holmdel and beyond have shown their unwavering support for the Clauser family. Nearby Indian Hill School will be hosting a pizza fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Lisa and Jack Clauser. The event will take place on Sept. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Salerno’s Pizzeria.

"When we found out what happened, it was like, 'this is a devastating thing, but the next sentence is 'what can we do to help,'" said Solomon-Rodgers, the president of the Indian Hill School PLG who helped to arrange the fundraiser partnership with the restaurant.

"The idea of the Family Pizza Night was created on Monday evening during a conversation with my close friend, Kristi Salerno," Solomon-Rodgers told Patch. "Her brother-in-law Lucien is the owner of Salernos and was gracious enough to host this important benefit. It is amazing that even though the community cannot be together in a group setting to support the Clauser family, thankfully through the Family Pizza Night Benefit, we can find that sense of togetherness, love and support within this close-knit community."

Donations to the family are also being accepted through an online GoFundMe account. The funds are still active from a separate fundraiser for the family after the third member of the Clauser family, husband and father Derrick, died suddenly six months ago.

"We're just trying to do whatever we can and pool everything together, to do as much as possible for the family," said Solomon-Rodgers. "For Jack, as a student and as a friend, for him to know that they are very loved."

In addition, a drop-off bin for groceries and gift cards for the family is also available in Holmdel. Interested parties can schedule a drop-off time by contacting naildr28@aol.com.

The Sports Shop in Hazlet will be accepting donations for the family from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday though Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

“[Lisa] really doesn’t have any family left, both her parents already passed,” Straniero told Patch. “Just with all the hate that’s going on in the world right now, it makes me tear up to think that there’s been so much love and support.”

Solomon-Rodgers says that plans for additional fundraisers for the mother and son are currently in the works, including a book drive for son Jack, who is an avid reader and lost his entire book collection in the fire.

"We want something for both of them so they both feel that equal outpour of love and support," said Solomon-Rodgers. "We all want to see them quickly back on the road to recovery, starting a new life and focusing on all the fresh and wonderful things ahead. We just want to put this year behind us all."

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