Garden City community rallies to rebuild business destroyed by semitruck

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GARDEN CITY — Garden City residents have banded together to help the family that owns the store that was destroyed when a semitruck driver lost control and plowed through the building.

When Darin Pugmire opened Pugstones Sporting over 18 years ago, he never imagined he could lose the business in just seconds, but that’s exactly what happened as the semitruck slammed through the front of the building last week.

“The impact was so great that there was nothing left,” Pugmire said. “Out of nowhere… it just happened. Makes you rethink a lot of things.”

While the building was insured, Pugmire said insurance will not cover all of his loses. He has continued to receive bills, even though the building that once housed his business was gone. Pugmire said even the foundation will likely have to be torn out.

Ever since the crash, people have offered to help. Many of those efforts came together Thursday as the town of Garden City announced a fundraising dinner and auction to be held for the Pugmires.

“I help a lot but I hate to receive, and so this was hard,” Pugmire said. “I wanted to say no to it, but I can’t because I’m always upset when someone tells me ‘no,’ when I’m trying to help them.”

Garden City Mayor Mike Leonhardt said many people and business owners were working together to make the fundraiser happen.

“We have a very close-knit community, and that’s what it’s all about,” Leonhardt said. “There were some tears shed as we told him what we were doing. He’s been a great asset to our community.”

A city council member himself, Pugmire said he wasn’t surprised by the generosity.

“It’s very, very, very humbling,” Pugmire said. “I truly love it here because of how much help everyone is to one another, especially in times like this.”

The fundraiser dinner and auction* will be held, at 6 p.m. on October 27 at the Sunrise Resort Conference Center in Harbor Village.

*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.