WONDER LAKE, Ill. (WLS) — More than a month after a house explosion claimed a woman’s life and left two of her family members badly hurt, the Wonder Lake community came together Sunday to help the family continue its recovery.
The fundraiser offered a lively contrast to the devastation of May 17, featuring food trucks, puppy adoptions and a car show burnout competition. That explosion killed 59-year-old Sandra Patnaude and seriously injured her husband and son.
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Organizers said the goal was simple: raise money and rally support as the Patnaude family works to rebuild after an unimaginable loss.
“It’s lots of noise. Lots of noise. Lots of fun. Lots of smoke. All for a good cause,” said Josh DiJoseph, a co-sponsor of the event.
Dean and Andrew Patnaude have since been released from the hospital and are staying with relatives in Wisconsin. Friends and neighbors said the family has deep roots in Wonder Lake and has long been part of the fabric of the community.
Among those helping lead the response is Jason Cynowa, a local business owner and longtime family friend who witnessed the explosion.
“Dean told me just today that he couldn’t believe that they made it out there,” Cynowa said. “I’ve known he and his wife Sandra for probably over 30 years. I’ve lived here in Wonder Lake since I was six years old.”
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Cynowa has also helped coordinate support for the family, including creating one of two GoFundMe campaigns set up to assist them.
“I saw the explosion and the debris going into the air. And I couldn’t believe it was a house. Let alone their house,” he said. “I just needed to do something for the family. Because they are just wonderful people, they really are.”
The fundraiser was organized by Kim Doran, owner of East End Pizza & Ice Cream, who has hosted similar events in the past for community causes.
“The people of Wonder Lake always rally around each other. Whether it’s PTO or the school kids. It’s part of this community’s nature. To help each other,” Doran said.
Organizers said the outpouring of support reflects the town’s strong sense of connection, where many residents know one another personally.
In addition to the Patnaude family, one other family remains displaced as a result of the explosion.
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