On October 5, 2025, tragedy struck our community when a devastating house fire claimed the lives of Steve and Ashley Williams and left their two young daughters, Emma and Lilly, hospitalized. In the days that followed, the East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company and the First In Foundation joined together with friends, family, and neighbors to rally support for the Williams family in their greatest time of need.
From the moment the GoFundMe campaign launched, the response from the community was nothing short of extraordinary. In just over a week, more than 830 donors have contributed nearly $130,000 to support the girls’ recovery and future. Donations have poured in from firefighters, local businesses, and families across Central Virginia — and even from complete strangers moved by the story.
Emma has since been released from the hospital, and Lilly continues to recover with close medical supervision. Her doctors are optimistic she will make a full recovery. The girls are now surrounded by love and care from their aunt and uncle, Kelly and Dwayne Williams, and their uncle Forest Napier. Kelly and Dwayne have deep roots in the East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company and the Central Virginia fire-rescue community, and now the community they’ve long served is standing by them in return.
All funds raised are being carefully stewarded by the First In Foundation and will directly follow Emma and Lilly once legal guardianship is finalized. The Foundation remains committed to ensuring the girls’ long-term stability and security — up to and including educational opportunities as they grow.
In addition to the ongoing online campaign, the Foundation and local volunteers are preparing to host the Williams Family Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, at 2 p.m. at the East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company. All proceeds from this event will go directly to support the girls and their future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor, business, and volunteer who has contributed to this cause. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity continue to prove that in times of tragedy, our community stands together as one family.
To donate, please visit: https://www.firstinfoundation.org/donate