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WILKES-BARRE — A benefit featuring music and comedy Friday was organized to help a family who lost their home during a fire Christmas morning.

The Howells family did not have insurance, according a Facebook post about the fundraiser held at the F.M. Kirby Center.

Rich Howells is the owner and editor of the NEPA Scene website, which promotes the local arts scene. The arts community rallied around Howells in the wake of the blaze.

Mrs. Howells suffered burns while saving her husband and autistic son from their Scranton home’s second floor. She had to be flown to a burn center and is still recovering, the post states.

It goes on: “The rest of the family has had to make it through the holidays with the help of friends and clothing and monetary donations.”

The evening featured performances by Send Request, Lifer, Noxen, Behind the Grey, Anytime Soon and The Crowning.

Comedy sets were performed by Zach Hammond and Dan Hoppel.

Toys found after the Christmas morning fire at the Howells residence are displayed on a table at Friday’s music and comedy benefit at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Howells-1-2-.jpg.optimal.jpgToys found after the Christmas morning fire at the Howells residence are displayed on a table at Friday’s music and comedy benefit at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Behind the Grey guitarist Daniel McDonald, of Waymart, dances with his 4-year-old neice, Bryella McDonald of Dorrance, during Friday’s benefit for the Howells family.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Benefit-3-2-.jpg.optimal.jpgBehind the Grey guitarist Daniel McDonald, of Waymart, dances with his 4-year-old neice, Bryella McDonald of Dorrance, during Friday’s benefit for the Howells family. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Rich Howells takes donations from patrons and friends Bill Gleason, of Moosic, Kim Carey, of Tunkhannock, and Nick Savinelli, of Scranton, for the benefit in honor of him and his family at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Friday night. The Howells lost their Scranton home to a fire on Christmas morning. Rich Howells is the founder of the NEPA Scene website. Friday’s benefit included several bands and comedy sets.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Benefit-2-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgRich Howells takes donations from patrons and friends Bill Gleason, of Moosic, Kim Carey, of Tunkhannock, and Nick Savinelli, of Scranton, for the benefit in honor of him and his family at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Friday night. The Howells lost their Scranton home to a fire on Christmas morning. Rich Howells is the founder of the NEPA Scene website. Friday’s benefit included several bands and comedy sets. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

By Times Leader Staff