Celtics star Isaiah Thomas holds party for Cambridge fire victims

December 16, 2016 6:29 pm

By: Kainani Stevens

kstevens@abc6.com

CAMBRIDGE, M.A. – After the massive house fire in Cambridge last week, Celtics all-star Isaiah Thomas making a difference for the families affected by having a holiday party.

Thomas and his wife actually live just a short distance away from where that fire took place, so they felt like it was only right for them to give back to their neighbors.

Deemed Cambridge’s favorite son, Isaiah Thomas says the holiday party for the victims of the massive Cambridge fire was his wife’s idea.

"It’s that time of the year where it’s about giving back. That’s what I tried to do and I have to give a shout out to my wife," said Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics.

For a few hours, sixty families who had lost everything were able to have a little fun.

"We were able to get away. With him, and my dog. We saw the fire and just ran," said Sophia Yashimoto with her 4-month-old son Raphael.

Half of the families have already received keys to new housing.

Living at the Holiday Inn, Paula Caruso is still waiting.

"They’re getting better. Coming out of the cloud and realizing that this is reality.

The Sonesta Hotel covering the venue, food and entertainment. All on the house,” said Caruso.

"It’s very important to me. My family grew up here in East Cambridge so it’s very important for Sonesta to open our house to be used as their house,” said General Manager for Sonesta Hotel, Michael Medeiros.

The Celtics star spent the night shooting hoops, taking pictures, signing autographs and greeting neighbors. Making everyone smile; getting back as much as he gave.

"Anything we could possibly do. It made sense to give back and put a smile on their faces because they’re going through a tough time,” said Medeiros.

Over a half a million dollars has already been raised for the fire victims, and city officials are hoping to get permanent housing for the remaining families by the end of the year.