Event to raise money; rebuild Bastrop homes

KXAN (BASTROP) - One year ago at this time the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop County was home to firefighters battling flames and families who'd lost their homes.

But Tuesday, the resort is host to an event, "A Night of Hope," to raise money for the Bastrop County long Term Recovery Team. The team has helped rebuild dozens of homes--and their work isn't finished.

The non-profit organization was formed in September of 2011 just weeks after the largest fire in Texas's history tore through the Bastrop community.

To date, the team has rebuilt 29 homes, replaced one manufactured home, and has 12 more under construction.

They're planning to build 50 more over the next year.

The fire destroyed nearly 1,700 homes and 34,000 acres.

Denise Edwards, who works at the Hyatt, lost her home. Her family rebuilt the same exact house on the same lot, but while it might look identical, she and her family don't know if it will ever feel that way.

"I mean, the baby pictures are gone, and books; you know, everything the girls left at the house, because you leave it at your parents' when you go to college," she said, talking about her two daughters, "It's not the same, not the same. But, I'd like to think maybe in five years we'll make new traditions and things and it will  feel more like home."

Edwards says the trees and the wildlife wiped out are some things she misses daily, but she's beginning to see new growth and signs of life slowly, but surely.

As for the fundraiser, "A Night of Hope," planners at the Hyatt expect about 800 people.

It starts at 7:00 and doors open at 6:30.