A UNL faculty member and his family are recovering from a Jan. 7 fire that destroyed their home. But Bob Belli and his wife Jessie were not injured in the blaze and are grateful for the outpouring of caring and generosity being shown to them by the community.
Belli is director of the Survey Research and Methodology program and professor of psychology. The fire, documented in the Lincoln Journal Star at http://go.unl.edu/bc2, and on 10-11 News at http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/LFR--185957851.html ,
started in the garage and quickly spread, destroying the three-bedroom house and its contents.
Arts and Sciences Dean David Manderscheid and Psychology chairman Rick Bevins said a fund is being set up at Wells Fargo for contributions for Belli, who indicated they would likely be donating funds raised to the local groups who have helped them.
“They are exceedingly grateful for what everyone has already done and the outpouring of such caring generosity,” Bevins said.
According to the Journal Star, Belli was watching the football game when at about 8 p.m. a wall of fire pushed through from the garage to where he was sitting. The couple was able to evacuate safely.
Donations will be accepted at the Arts and Sciences Dean's Office (1223 Oldfather) or at a Wells Fargo location, for the "Belli Fire Emergency Fund."