Fundraiser held for family of Plum explosion victim
BB Steal and 80’s Live rocked for a cause on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22, to benefit the family of one of the victims of the Plum explosion from two months ago.
The two acts headlined the “Rock for a Cause” event at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrendale. Proceeds from ticket sales would benefit the family of Michael Thomas, who died in the explosion which ravaged a Plum neighborhood on Aug. 12.
Thomas, who was Plum’s borough manager and formerly the borough manager of Saxonburg, was in the house at the center of the blast, which belonged to fellow Plum borough employee Heather Oravitz. Both died, along with four others.
Thomas’ wife, Jacqueline, was in her own home next door along with her daughter, Hannah, and their dog. Jacqueline was injured in the explosion, but survived along with both Hannah and the dog.
Jacqueline, a Spanish teacher at Butler Intermediate High School, is currently on temporary leave.
