By Angeljean Chiaramida
SEABROOK — A fast-moving fire took the life of 20-year-old Charles "Chaz" Hewitt on Saturday, and the community is responding with a fundraiser to help his devastated family deal with the loss.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, Bruce Brown and the employees of Brown's Lobster Pound, where Hewitt worked, will hold a benefit dinner in memory of their friend and colleague. Brown's will open its doors at 6 p.m. for a spaghetti dinner, requesting a $10 donation from attendees, which will go to Hewitt's family.
There will also be a raffle of two tickets to a Patriots game.
The meal consists of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, desserts and soft drinks. Brown's requests no liquor, wine or beer be consumed during the event.
Cash donations will also be accepted, and checks can be made payable to Mae Doyle (Hewitt's mother). Any and all donations may be dropped off or mailed to Brown's Lobster Pound, Route 286, Seabrook, NH 03874.
Hewitt died early Saturday morning when a fire ripped through the home he shared with three other young men at 41 Collins St. Four others who were sleeping in the home were able to escape, but Hewitt was caught on the first floor, unable to get out.
According to the N.H. Fire Marshal's office, Hewitt died of smoke inhalation, and although the fire's cause is still undetermined, it is believed to have started on the back porch of the two-story home.
Although a new resident in Seabrook and new employee at Brown's, Hewitt had quickly endeared himself to those with whom he worked. He was a 2007 graduate of Oyster River High School in Durham, N.H., and dozens of his friends and family members posted comments on his love of music, sense of humor and fine character on the memorial page established in his memory on Facebook.
Those at Brown's mourn his loss and hope those who knew him will attend this benefit in his honor.
For more information, contact Brown's Lobster Pound at 603-474-3331 or Paula Wood at 603-474-5051.
