The community is rallying around Jim Thorpe borough councilman Thomas Highland and his family.

Highland, who runs Highland Beverage on Susquehanna Street in Jim Thorpe, was critically injured when a fire broke out Sunday morning at his home on Center Avenue in the borough. His wife, Lynn did not make it out of the burning home.

Highland was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital’s burn center.

The community is hosting fundraisers for the family, including Stone Row Pub & Eatery who is hosting an event from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. The restaurant is donating 100% of the first $1,000 spent during the evening, along with 20% of any additional revenue.

An open mic will be held for anyone wishing to perform, read a poem or tell a story about Lynn. And of course we’ll be playing Enter the Haggis tunes (Lynn’s favorite group) in between.

“Come raise a glass in Lynn’s honor as we celebrate her life and raise money to support her family,” the restaurant posted.”

The Gem Shop in Jim Thorpe will donate 10% of their live sale proceeds to the family.

3 Kids Market & Eatery will donate 10% percent of all sales for the month of June There will be an offering jar on the counter. Wear it Again & Decorate it Again will donate 10% of June sales and have donations jars on the counter.

East Mauch Chunk Eatery, Mauch Chunk Rod & Gun Club, The Sportsman’s Club, Mauch Chunk Pharmacy, DeeZines flower shop and Classic Beverage in Nesquehoning will all have donation jars.

Jim Thorpe Youth Soccer will be holding a bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon June 12 at Penn Forest Rec Park. MI will be putting a donation jar out at the Boat Rental.

A GoFundMe account has also been set up for funeral expenses and medical expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-highland-family?qid=115aee32e1c80103d5890033923b9978

Tributes to Lynn poured out on Facebook Sunday.

Naomi Betancourt posted, “So many happy memories with this force of nature. Lynn Smith Highland you will leave a huge black whole difficult to fill.”

Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, where she served as Director of Activities and Recreation, said “We are grieving the loss of one of our own, Fritzingertown family member Lynn Smith Highland. Words cannot express the sense of loss we feel at this time.”

Cafe Arielle at the Stabin Museum posted, “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share with you the news that Lynn Highland, beloved icon who was very much part of the fabric of Jim Thorpe, cherished friend to many, Haggis Hen, Hillrat, Lover of dance and Elton John, and our inaugural Robbie Burns Lassie, passed away today. Our hearts go out to Tommy & Jordan and all who loved her.