Community comes together to support family affected by house fire

PALMER — Community members from far and wide banded together with the Palmer Alehouse to host a fundraising concert for Heather Isackson and her children who lost their home to a fire.

Palmer Alehouse service manager Nate Bowder said that several community members donated food and other resources to help make the event happen, and local musician John Cook performed for free.

"It's amazing. We're blown away," Bowder said.

The streets surrounding the Palmer Alehouse filled up with parked cars as the event carried on. Dozens of people cycled through to hug Isackson and offer donations.

Isackson said the community outpouring was a lot to take in, but it meant so much to her. She said it's part of living in the Valley and "just the Alaskan way of reaching out to help your neighbor."

"It's a little overwhelming," Isackson said. "I'm just so appreciative. I'm so thankful."

Isackson's husband, Peter died two years ago. She said this event was originally going to be a simple memorial with drinks and stories, but things changed when their house burned down April 3.

Isackson said that she was at work when a neighbor notified her of the fire. She said her son Pete and daughter Briana were both at school at the time. She said they ultimately lost one of their cats but all four of their dogs made it.

"It's crazy to just pull into your driveway and see flames shooting out of your house. It's surreal," Isackson said.

Isackson said that she regularly visited the Palmer Alehouse with Peter over the years. She said that she still frequents the facility due to the strong connection she has with the staff.

"The staff basically became like family. It's like ‘Cheers’ where you walk in and they know your name and your drink," Isackson said.

After news of the fire got out, Palmer Alehouse staff and community turned the memorial into a full on fundraising event.

"We're all like family," Bowder said.

Isackson and her children are currently staying with relatives. Those looking to support them during their difficult time can make monetary donations to Mat-Valley Federal Credit Union account # 184022, routing number 324272335.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com