"How could this happen Here?" Was the question on so many residents' minds on April 24, 2009 when wildfires damaged some 69 homes at Barefoot Resort.

As Century 21 Barefoot Realtor, Carrie Alessi, sat in shock with her friend on the evening following the disaster, the question that kept repeating in her mind was, "What can I do to help?"

The Barefoot community has always been a very special place to Carrie, having lived in the area for 12 years and worked as a Realtor for Century 21 Barefoot Realty for five. "It's a really tight-knit community and the lifestyle that Barefoot offers is truly unique and wonderful, "says Carrie. It's no wonder why she wasted no time in putting together a wildfire relief fundraising effort that would bring together an extraordinary number of local businesses and residents in a united effort to give back to the community they love.

"I knew if I could get a venue and a band I could pull something together, "explains Carrie. The wheels were then set in motion as Joe Veltri, owners of Bully's Pub at Barefoot Landing was quick to offer the pub as a place to host the event. Soon afterwards, Barefoot resident Frank Braddock, (a wildfire victim himself) put his band, Pale Horse down for the evening's entertainment.

When word began to spread of the event scheduled to take place May 9, 2009, offers of support in various ways came pouring in from throughout the North Myrtle Beach area. Logan's Roadhouse would provide catering and many of the local merchants donated money along with items such as golf rounds, spa services, dinners, gift certificates and more to be offered as prizes in a silent auction. Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday generously donated an entire 3-day golf trip for two complete with accommodations, tee times, car rentals and even a golf "goodie basket" which featured a Taylor Made driver and putter! Local photographers Brook Christl and Anglea Fellenz both donated portrait sittings to many who had lost family photos as a result of the fire. "It was truly amazing how many people came together from the area to support this effort," says Carrie.

Final proceeds from the event totaled over $10,000 which was divided equally and used to purchase gift cards from Lowe's Home Improvement and Belks Department Stores to be given to the victims of the fires. Both Lowe's and Belk's offered additional support by discounting the gift cards.

Which the tremendous success of this event Carrie has shown that beautiful things can come from the darkest places. More than a year later, the areas effected by the fires have been rebuilt and are more beautiful than ever.

While the list of individual "thank you's" is a long one, Carrie wishes to express much gratitude to all who did whatever they could to contribute to this worthy cause. She feels that her reward for pulling this effort together was being able to sit down with each wildfire victim and give them this bit of help that came from the collective heart of the community. Carrie emphasizes, "I've always known that Barefoot was an amazing place but there was never more proof than after the devastation of the April wildfires."