In the weeks that followed, Kindness Rocks U.P. Michigan stepped in to help, eventually raising $22,254 for those employees.

On Oct. 23, a large fire broke out at Race Ramps, a producer of vehicle ramps and cribs at 2003 23rd Ave. N. While there were no reported injuries, the structure was left destroyed. Surrounding areas were also affected, including damage at the Escanaba Area Schools bus depot to the south.

Just five days after the fire, Kindness Rocks U.P. Michigan, a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity organization known for its relief efforts for local causes, began fundraising for the 28 employees left without work.

Cris Moore-Lucier Jr., founder of the organization, said the effort began after she was contacted by Kalya Dawson and an employee’s wife, “asking if we could do a fundraiser to help the employees.”

Kindness Rocks U.P. Michigan, founded by Cris Moore-Lucier, has supported local businesses and causes since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds were raised through Kindness Rocks’ GoFundMe page, local change buckets and a non-profit Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union account. Change buckets were placed at various local businesses, including Drifter’s Restaurant, D&M Subs, Advance Auto Parts, Shoe Sensation and more.

The $22,254 will be split among the 28 Race Ramps employees.

“Kindness Rocks U.P. Michigan did not hesitate to help rally the public in raising funds that we hope will at least help ease the financial shock wave that (employees) have likely experienced as part of this terrible loss,” Moore-Lucier said. “The community has indeed come together and surprised even our own staff to raise over $22,000 to help those affected.”

In a statement to Race Ramps employees, Moore-Lucier wrote, “First, we at Kindness Rocks U.P. Michigan want to let you know how sorry we are that you and your family were impacted by the devastating fire that affected the Race Ramps production facility. As an organization who routinely raises funds and resources for fire relief, we know that losses like this can have a ripple effect and affect so many people both within our community and beyond.”

Moore-Lucier initially founded Kindness Rocks to help small businesses in the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the organization has expanded its efforts to support various community causes, including collecting items for the Lil’ Mo’s Food Pantry and volunteering to clear snow for residents who are unable to shovel their property on their own.

The fire at Race Ramps in October destroyed buildings and left at least one charred telephone pole. (Courtesy photo)

The group is also known for fundraising efforts after other local fires, including at the House of Ludington on Dec. 5 and the Stonehouse Restaurant on Dec. 21, 2024.

According to Escanaba Public Safety, the cause of the Race Ramps fire “was determined to be human introduction related to work being conducted on the building at the time. There was no intent to start the fire.”