Alley family benefit this weekend

A fundraiser for the Alley family, whose workshop was damaged last month in an accidental fire, is this weekend at the Velvet Touch Salon in Gardnerville's Stratton Center.

"People's kindness has been overwhelming," Jeannette Alley said Monday. "I'm so thankful for the compassion shown to my son."

On April 22, longtime Valley resident and Douglas High graduate Mike Alley, owner of the welding and repair business A & B Fabrication, watched his 5,000-square-foot workshop located near his home off Highway 88 go up in flames. At the time, Alley estimated there was $200,000 worth of equipment inside.

"It was all pretty burnt, but they've been cleaning up some of the tools," Jeannette Alley said. "Everything has to be cleaned and rewired. I would say 75-80 percent of the machinery needs to be rebuilt or replaced."

The good news, she said, is that her son is still busy with the mobile service part of his business. He and wife Nancy also found out they had $25,000 worth of outbuilding insurance.

But the loss of equipment is still hard to take, Alley said. Fortunately, friends and relatives have rallied around the family.

"A week ago, there were 18 people over there helping out," Alley said. "People have been extremely generous with their time and effort."

In the wake of the fire, hairstylist Sharon Hielscher spearheaded a cut-a-thon and car wash for this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Velvet Touch Salon, adult haircuts will cost $10, and children haircuts will cost $5. This does not include shampoo or styling.

Donations will also be taken for a car wash, and all money raised will benefit the Alley family.

The salon is located at 1532 Highway 395. For more information, call 783-7613.

A work party to help clean up the fire site is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 22 at 401 Highway 88.

Gloves, paper towels and work clothes are recommended.

For more information, call 782-3800.

An account for the Alley family has been set up at Bank of America. Donations can be made to account No. 004971149041.