AMARILLO, TEXAS -- We talk a lot about the Panhandle Spirit here at Pronews 7, and we saw it in action as a homeowner starts to rebuild his home and his life.
People in the community are helping pay it forward, just like the movie and something homeowner Kurt Reinbold even alluded to when we spoke with him.
A week ago, everything was fine, and then a fire on Father's Day weekend turned Kurt's world upside down.
Last Sunday, Reinbold smelled smoke coming from his garage, and when he opened the garage door, he says it was like a scene out of a movie.
"When I did the oxygen hit it the windows blew and it was just like...movie reference Back Draft and I knew what was coming. So I got out of the way and it blew out."
His house was severely damaged, and his pickup and boat in the driveway were totalled. No one in Kurt's family was injured. But the self employed businessman didn't carry home insurance and wasn't sure what he was going to do. Then he was reminded of another movie as family and friends came to his aid.
"Pay it Forward I'm..umm not a rich man. I do things for people and so if anybody wants to listen always pay it forward and this is a hundred fold of what I ever expected back."
For Robbie Bowling, a new friend of Kurt, it wasn't a difficult choice to pay it forward.
"Lots of demolition you know trying to find what's salvageable and trying to get donations. And its amazing how the community has come together for this its really amazing."
Robbie's family who only met Kurt a week ago, decided to pay it forward again, and started up a car wash to raise money.
"Because our best friend's house burned down so we're trying to raise some money for him," said Mary Graham.
"If my house burned down I would want people out here doing this for me," said Sadie Goza.
Kurt says he's a changed man because of the fire and a better man for it.
"Just an unreal experience and you know what? I'm happy."
He also says the compassion he's seeing reminds him of a TV show only better!
"Extreme Home Makeover ain't got nothing on this!"
The girl's gar wash is set up for Friday and Saturday at United at 45th and Bell. Kurt says he really appreciated everyone who's stopped by to offer clothes, food, and supplies.
If you would like to help out an account has been set up at Amarillo National Bank for the family. You can make your donations to the "Kurt Reinbold Fund" and continue to pay it forward.
