'Lily and Jake' Fundraisers Net $18,000

A brought in nearly $18,000 to help Lily and Jake, two children found in their home by Johnston firefighters on the night of Jan. 22.

The children's father, Donald Greenslit, is currently awaiting trial on , Stacie Dorego, and tried to burn her remains in a fireplace inside the Pershing Road home.

Shelly Murphy of Lincoln, one of the organizers and a family friend of Lily and Jake's aunt and uncle, wrote in a recent email about the success of the two events, called "It Takes a Village."

"The funds will go a long way to help the family help these two children start a new life and overcome the many obstacles they face," Murphy explained.

For the first gathering, held May 20 at The Met in Pawtucket, "several bands and a professional magician donated their time and talents to the event, which was attended by 250 generous people," Murphy wrote, with about $15,000 raised.

Ernie T's in Richmond hosted the follow-up event on June 3 with 100 attendees helping to raise another $3,000, Murphy added.

"The family is truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the 'village' that has come forward, those who attended and all who donated their time and energy," wrote Murphy. "Their new blended family is so grateful to have so many caring people rally around them —  from close friends, to people who they have not even meet, and new friends who are now part of their lives."

Murphy had previously explained that the two children "caught every virus possible in the last few months" and needed nearly-constant medical attention — and, since they were rescued from their home with very few possessions, also needed clothing and other basic necessities.

These two fundraisers, Murphy wrote in her recent email, will go a long way to help the Ouelettes — though she added that "the needs and expenses of suddenly bringing two small traumatized children into a family are vast."

The Lily and Jake Fund is continuing to accept donations through its website,  LilyandJake.org

More articles on this topic:

• , May 4, 2012
• , Apr. 17, 2012
• , Feb. 16, 2012
• Dorego Died Of Stab Wounds, State ME Confirms, Jan. 31, 2012.
• Johnston Rallies To Help Lily And Jake, Jan. 28
• Town Adds To Effort For Pershing Road Children, Jan. 26