Good Samaritan Society – Woodland

Jan 16, 2012

(Brainerd, Minn.) – A Jan. 4 fire in Brainerd has changed the focus for the annual fundraising efforts of the Good Sam Bowl event scheduled for May 6–7. Proceeds will be used to help replace the van that burned.

Good Samaritan Society –  Woodland Auxiliary has offered $1,000 to start the fund. The Bethany Auxiliary contributed $1,000 in honor of the driver and resident.

Firefighters work to extinguish hot spots following a van fire at Northern Orthopedics. Photo courtesy Brainerd Dispatch.

Driver Gina Brusven took quick action after noticing smoke coming from the engine of the Good Samaritan Society van she had parked at Northern Orthopedics. A resident was inside the vehicle when the fire started and Gina moved the resident to safety. The heat and intensity of the fire destroyed the van and its contents.

This unexpected loss comes at a time of dramatic decreases in federal and state funding sources for long-term care. Replacing the totalled vehicle is key to the daily lives of many residents of Good Samaritan Society – Brainerd.

To make a contribution toward the replacement bus, please click "Donate" on the left side of this page.