Kearney and Scholefield Home Gutted by Fire
In the Photo: DJ and David photographed together on a much happier day last September at the Chef Meets Grape Event in Vancouver.
EMERGENCY NEWS - (March 25, 2008)
WINE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS’ HOME GUTTED BY FIRE
Call to action among industry to help.
March 25, 2008 (NORTH VANCOUVER) On Tuesday March 25, 2008, the family home of DJ Kearney and David Scholefield was destroyed by fire. A public plea is being made to assist the family, and a trust account has been established at the North Shore Credit Union. Donations can be made to the “Kearney/Scholefield Fire Trust,” account # 179986-04 at any branch of the North Shore Credit Union; those not on the North Shore can also donate. Email fire@ccltd.ca for instruction.
The occupants of the home: Kearney, Scholefield and Kearney’s two teenage sons Sean and Alex, escaped without major injury, but sadly, the family’s pet cat perished, and the home and its contents are ruined. The family has insurance, which will cover the basics, but as in any emergency situation, there are essential and immediate needs to take care of.
“At this time the most important thing is that the entire family is safe,” said family friend Leeann Clemens. “Their immediate need is for practical items such as new identification and eyeglasses, clothing and a place to stay.” At the time of this release, the family has established a plan to stay with a family friend this evening, and were combing through the home’s remains to determine what can be recovered.
The house is located in North Vancouver near the intersection of Dollarton Highway and Old Dollarton Highway. As of late Tuesday morning there was still a lot of smoke coming out of the home, which burned as morning commuters crossed the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge. Fire investigators say the blaze started in a diesel furnace and the older home was well-involved by the time firefighters arrived.
Kearney and Scholefield are both prominent and well-regarded wine industry personalities, and the wine, food and hospitality industries in particular are being called upon to assist.
“We hope that we will see a wave of support and that our colleagues will spread the word,” said friend Christine Coletta. “We can all rally to see that the family has clothes and food and a roof over their head. If we can gather a solid base of donations, it will give David and DJ what they need to move forward.”
“I am just so glad they are OK,” said relative Julian Scholefield. “In time, the insurance will take care of everything, but it is sad to consider the irreplaceable items such as photos, their wine cellar or David’s extensive music collection. Hopefully we can all pull together to help them get back on their feet.”
For more information call Leeann Clemens at Coletta and Associates 604-904-9793 cell 604-603-9394 or email fire@ccltd.ca
Note:For those living outside the North Shore area, donations can be made at any financial institution with a few easy steps. Contact Leeann Clemens at fire@ccltd.ca and instructions will be provided.