One week after the Farmer's True Value Hardware Store fire in Rayne, the Krewe de Joie de Vie is holding a raffle to raise money for the Simoneaux family.

RAYNE, La. (KLFY) -- One week after the Farmer's True Value Hardware Store fire in Rayne, the Krewe de Joie de Vie is holding a raffle to raise money for the Simoneaux family.

The Krewe de Joie de Vie was created 10 years ago to bring Mardi Gras into Acadia Parish. Theresa Simoneaux, the president of Krewe de Joie de Vie, is the wife of the owner of the hardware store.

"They are like family to us," Tina DeRouen, the vice president of Krewe de Joie de Vie said. "So, we kind of gathered together and decided to help them out to rebuild something that they probably can't rebuild right now, the True Value, but at least to rebuild their faith in their community, that we're here to help them."

DeRouen said the Krewe de Joie de Vie has organized a raffle with all of the proceeds going towards the financial needs the Simoneaux's will face now that their business is gone.

The fundraiser was given the title "Raise Your Spirits."

"You know, we're a Mardi Gras krewe," DeRouen said. "We like to drink and have a good time and stuff like that. So, we decided to do a 'Raise Your Spirits' raffle. We have a Yeti ice chest, a big wagon and we have probably close to $2,000 worth of alcohol in there and krewe merchandise, and even two free tickets to the night of our ball. "

DeRouen said it has also given hope to the Simoneaux family that they can make it through this time of uncertainty.

"Teresa and Daniel are the kind of couple that would do anything for you, so our krewe would do anything for them to help them through this sad time in their life," DeRouen said. "I think showing this love through our crew and our community has really given their spirits up because I see such a change just in a couple of days and their spirits knowing that their community is behind them."

Tickets for the raffle are $10 per entry or five entries for $40 and can be purchased on Venmo to Tina Derouen (@Tina-DeRouen) or Jade Durio (@Jade-Durio). Please specify how many entries you want, or if you're just giving a donation.

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