Only an empty lot remains where a small white South Ninth Street home once stood.

A little more than a month ago, a window air conditioning unit shorted out, sending flames shooting out of the front and rear windows of the home.

Betty Smith and her 15-year-old and 2 1/2-year-old children were not home at the time of the fire on May 29, but when they returned, there was no home to come back to.

That’s why Bob Evans restaurant in Ashland, Ky., is helping to raise money for Smith and her family.

Tena Nelson, Smith’s mother-in-law, owned the home that burned and said the family moved in with her until they could get back on their feet.

“They lost everything,” Nelson said. “They had nothing but the clothes on their back.”

Nelson is helping to organize the fundraiser at Bob Evans on July 18. At the Ashland location, a portion of that day’s proceeds will be donated to the Smith family when diners present the fundraiser flyer at the restaurant.

Nelson said anyone who needs a flyer can contact her at (740) 646-1990.

Nelson has also set up a bank account at DESCO Federal Credit Union for monetary donations. Anyone wanting to send a donation should mark checks with “Benefit for Betty Smith.”