The community of Madison came together Thursday night to support two businesses that were devastated by a fire last week.
Village Pizza and Madison Wine Shop have both been in Madison for more than 30 years.
Thursday marked the launch of the Madison Beach Hotel’s Thursday night concert series.
They decided to partner up with the Chamber of Commerce and make the outdoor concert all about the victims of last week’s fire.
They used it as a fundraiser, and already they’re raising thousands of dollars to get these businesses operating again.
“I think everyone feels their loss,” said Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson.
Whitney Mitchell Algieri, owner of Madison Wine Shop, said it was touching to see everyone come out.
“We’re discussing several options, whether we do a temporary spot or wait for our spot to be rebuilt,” she said.
“It’s tough, we’re just trying to keep positive for the future and look to bigger and better things,” said John Athanasoulias, owner of Village Pizza.
Both places have been in town for decades. To see them go up in flames was a shock. Thankfully no one was hurt, and already they’re reeling in money to get them up and running again.
“We’ve already had several businesses step up to the plate, in particular the Madison Beach Hotel and the Guilford Savings Bank with $1,000 donations, which is extremely generous of them,” said Eileen Banisch of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.
The money raised will benefit both businesses, their employees and Madison Hose Company No. 1 and the North Madison Fire Department. The plan is to get the businesses running soon, but it could take six months or even a year.