Over $10,500 was raised for victims of the fatal June 29th Burien apartment arson fire at a fundraiser held at Mick Kelly's Irish Pub in downtown Burien on July 17.

All proceeds of the event, which included a silent auction, live auction, a 50/50 raffle (where the winner donated her 50% share right back), as well as the entire day's profits at the pub were deposited into a special fund set up at Sterling Savings Bank in Burien.

Over 125 people attended the event, including 14 fire victims, who got their entire night's food and drink covered by the pub's owners.

Co-owners Mick Purdy and Adrian Kelly donated two soccer balls autographed by superstar Pele, which sold for $1,650.

"This is my home, forever," said survivor John Miklosh, referring to the outpouring of support from the people of Burien and its firefighters. He had just bought an "I Love Burien" t-shirt the day before the fire at the Burien Strawberry and Arts Festival.

Given two days off by her employers, another fire victim, 29-year old Moriah Marlin was out of town the weekend of the fire visiting friends.

"I never, and I mean NEVER, get two days in a row off," Marlin declared. "We returned home Sunday morning to nothing."

Other efforts are also underway to help the victims.

Sterling Savings in Burien, 224 S.W. 152nd St., is accepting donations. Information on a Red Cross fund is available through www.seattleredcross.org or by calling 206-323-2345 or 360-377-376.

Collins Chiropractic, 619 S.W. 152nd St. in Burien, is also accepting donations of clothing and household items. For more information, call 206-242-0998. A drop-off location has also been set up in a vacant building at 156 S.W. 152nd St.