Family, friends and community members came together over the weekend at the Lansford Little League field during the first annual Maddyfest held to raise funds for fire prevention programs and to remember Madison Arner, 7, who passed away following an electrical fire that destroyed her family's McAdoo home last month.

Event organizers Mindy Turrano, Jenn Hoffman, Nicole Giantesano and Yvonne Stoffey stated their appreciation to numerous organizations that helped put the event together or provided support.Some mentioned were Lansford Fire Company, Lansford Little League Association, Kovatch and Panther Valley Cheerleaders.In addition to food, chinese auction, dunk tank, games and so on, the event consisted of a ceremonial dove and balloon release for Madison. Volunteers with the Lansford Fire Company were also on hand with their inflatable fire prevention training house.Organizers added that proceeds of this and future events will go towards financial asssitance for future fire victims, the purchase of smoke detectors for area fire departments, and for fire prevention programs and literature ar area elementary schools.Madison is the daughter of John Arner of Nesquehoning and Lorraine Searfoss of McAdoo."Maddyfest is all kid-friendly so it's something that Madison would have loved to attend," said Hoffman.Organizers added that monetary donations can still be made out to Madison's grandma, Katha Arner at 101 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning.