Copyright 2006 St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Inc.
By D. PAUL HARRIS
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri)
A benefit is planned for a Community Fire Protection District firefighter who was injured in a blaze that claimed the life of a fire captain’s mother.
Organizers hope to raise funds to help with medical bills and offer support to the family of Cindy Schuenke.
Schuenke, 41, and two other firefighters last month were trying to rescue Geneva Rooks from her home in Vinita Terrace when the floor gave way. Schuenke fell into the basement and suffered serious burns to her hands and feet.
One of the other two firefighters was Tom Yahnke, also of Community Fire Protection District. The third firefighter, who works at Mid-County Fire Protection District, did not want his name released. Both firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
Geneva Rooks was the mother of fire Capt. Vaughn Rooks of the Community Fire Protection District.
The fundraising event, which will feature a traveling motorcycle brigade, poker run and raffle, will be April 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting and ending at Larry’s Tavern, 16833 Old Manchester Road in Wildwood. The brigade will stop at several taverns in St. Louis, St. Charles and Franklin counties.
The route also includes a stop at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur, where Schuenke is recovering.
“They are not going to go into the hospital,” said Paula Michaels, a family friend, “but they are going to try to get Cindy to a window so she can see how many people are supporting her.”
Schuenke is listed in fair and stable condition. She has gone through surgery and has been experiencing a lot of pain, Michaels said.
“She is not walking real well,” Michaels said. “She has to do physical therapy each day . . . it was very painful for her.
“She has more surgeries to come. She has been in the hospital since the accident and I believe she will be in there for at least eight weeks.”
The fundraising event will end with a barbecue. The cost is $20 per person or $30 a couple.
In addition, the Community Fire Protection District is seeking donations to help with the demolition and removal of Geneva Rooks’ condemned house. Checks may be made payable to Vaughn Rooks and sent to Community Fire Protection District, 9411 Marlowe, St. Louis, Mo. 63114, Attn.: Vaughn Rooks.
Donations for Schuenke may be made at any area First Bank. Checks may be made payable to Cindy Schuenke. Donations also may be mailed to First Bank/Trust Fund, 1816 Highway A, Washington, Mo. 63090. For more information, e-mail cindyschuenkebenefit@hotmail.com.
For more information about the fundraiser, call Larry’s Tavern at 636-458-3029.