SAN ANTONIO - A plaque hanging inside the Wingo Family's home says, "There's always something to be thankful for." And that's exactly what the family discovered after a fire severely damaged their home in Southeast Bexar County.
Before dawn Tuesday, the Wingos believe a lightening strike sparked the fire during a thunderstorm.
"I saw the flames and couldn't believe it was fire -- when it was raining that hard," said Jeannie Wingo.
"The damage comes all the way through here," said J.L. Wingo, her dad.
He pointed around each room, showing the damage to the ceiling and gaping holes in the roof. Despite the destruction to the house they've lived in just a year, J.L. Wingo is happy his family is safe.
"Thank God for all the volunteer fire departments. We couldn't have come out this good. The house would have been leveled," he said.
The Wingos plan to live in a nearby trailer while waiting to see if the insurance company considers the house a total loss.
The family owns a popular burger joint, Bubba's Burgers and Fries, on New Sulphur Springs Road, and it's still open for business. It's where Dawn Murphy hosts a weekly racing show called
Track Smack. She does live webcasting from Bubba's on Saturdays.
"I felt compelled to help," Murphy said.
This Saturday, she's using her show to promote a fundraiser for the Wingos to help them with expenses. She says they never turn anyone away. According to Murphy, the Wingos have given donations to the local volunteer fire department, school groups and motor sports groups. Murphy said the family's generosity includes giving to people who have visited Bubba's Burgers and Fries but didn't have cash. The restaurant doesn't accept credit or debit cards.
"He would tell people this one's on me, just pay the next time you come in," she said.
"I think you might have let the cat out of the bag," said J.L. Wingo.
He was surprised to hear about Murphy's fundraising efforts. But he expressed gratitude for friends in the community who want to help his family move beyond the ashes and rebuild their lives.
"That's what community is all about," he said.
Murphy said her sports talk webcast and fundraiser airs Saturday from 10 to noon, for those who want to tune in.
