By Matthew Holloway |
Tom George, a Republican Committeeman for Legislative District 29, lost his El Mirage home in a devastating house fire on May 10th, according to friends and colleagues, leaving the single-father and his young son without a home.
AZ Free News was alerted to the tragedy on Tuesday by LD29 GOP Chair Lisa Everett, who said via email, “He’s a great man. He is a precinct committeeman in my LD. He’s one of the hardest working men I’ve ever seen.”
A GoFundMe has been created to benefit George and his son managed by his colleague Eric Miller who wrote in a post to Facebook:
“Please help Tom George rebuild after a devastating house fire. Tom lost everything when his home burned down on May 10th. A dedicated father and selfless community volunteer in El Mirage, AZ, and numerous West Valley communities, Tom has always given his time to help others. Now he needs our help. He has no renter’s insurance, the inflation and economy depleted his finances, and he is starting from scratch. Please donate or share to support a man who’s always shown up for his community. He now needs his community. Tom is a strong, independent man, and he won’t ask for help … so I am asking for him.”
According to the crowd-funding site managed by Miller, “Every donation, no matter how small, will help Tom get back on his feet—providing him with clothes, basic essentials, temporary housing, and the resources needed to rebuild his and his son’s lives. Please consider supporting Tom as he begins this difficult journey forward.”
Miller added, “Tom has volunteered throughout the West Valley to help improve the lives of others. He serves/volunteers as an elected precinct committeeman, where he advocates for his neighbors and the greater community with passion and selflessness. Tom is the kind of person who always puts others first. He’s overcome many struggles in life and continues to lead with strength, generosity, and a heart for service. Now, in his time of greatest need, we have the opportunity to return that generosity.”
In her email to AZ Free News, Chairwoman Everett said the LD29 GOP Committee is organizing a fundraiser and “doing what we can to keep his spirits up.”
The tragic fire at George’s home isn’t the first one in recent memory to bring together West Valley Republicans. As previously reported by AZ Free News, the West Valley Republican & Independent Coalition, a non-profit PAC, suffered an office fire at West Grand Ave. in Sun City in June 2024 that left the office “almost a total loss.” But the tragedy is far keener, when it involves a home, and a family.
As of this report the GoFundMe has raised over $3,000 toward its $10,000 goal.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
