Wendell August Forge ornament to honor, support Plum community
Wendell August Forge announced Wednesday it is producing an ornament honoring the Plum community following the fatal Aug. 12 house explosion in the borough’s Rustic Ridge neighborhood.
The “Plum Proud” ornaments cost $20 and are available directly from Wendell August Forge through its website.
The Grove City company said half of the sales will go to the Rustic Ridge Family Fund to help those affected most by the explosion.
Orders are due by Sept. 15. Ornaments will ship by Oct. 1, the company said.
The home of Paul and Heather Oravitz on Rustic Ridge Drive exploded the morning of Aug. 12. Heather Oravitz and neighbors Michael Thomas, Kevin Sebunia, and Casey and Keegan Clontz were killed in the blast; Paul Oravitz died from his injuries Aug. 16.
The cause remains under investigation.
Founded in 1923, Wendell August Forge specializes in handcrafted metalware.
The ornament was the idea of Erin Lewis, who lives in Rustic Ridge and is marketing director for Wendell August Forge.
“It truly has been a heartbreaking time for our neighbors, but it has also been inspiring to see Plum — and the entire area — come together and rally around these families and this community,” Lewis said.
Several businesses, restaurants and food trucks have spent time in Rustic Ridge feeding families and hosting events for the community.
“I’ve been in awe of all the support we’ve seen flooding in,” Lewis said. “I think everyone here is incredibly grateful.”
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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