Community Benefits for DC Theatricks Owners 15 Months After Devastating Fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The community came together Saturday at a fundraiser for a costume company that lost everything last year following a fire.

In March 2023, the building in which DC Theatricks operated caught fire, resulting in the loss of all of its costumes, equipment, and supplies.

That same fire also claimed the life of Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno.

The tragedy of losing a Buffalo emergency personnel affected the entire community, but the owners of DC Theatricks said there were several tragedies that day.

The business occupied the first floor of the building located at 745 Main Street. The extent of the damage left the company with no means of rebuilding its collection.

“This benefit is not intended to minimize the loss of the firefighter who lost his life,” said family member Marylou Saur. “It’s much more devastating, but this has been devastating too.”

DC Theatricks was a company that operated for 41 years. She has created costumes for area theater productions as well as national and international Broadway shows.

Dave Dejac, co-owner of DC Theatrics, has spent the last year coming to terms with the loss of his establishment. He explained that every day is an uphill battle, but with time it gets a little easier.

“We started small and continued to grow,” Dejac said. “It was a long road. Lots of hard work but very creative on our part so we miss it.

Initially, following the fire, Dejac did not wish to provide his company with any benefits. He didn’t want to forget the grief of Engine 2 and the Buffalo firefighters.

Fifteen months later, family members decided it was time. They felt that DC Theatricks deserved all the support the community was eager to give them.

“When they finally gave us the green light to do it, we started talking to people,” Saur said. “Everyone wanted to do it. In the end, it was not a small profit, but a rather large profit. »

Hundreds of people filled the city’s ballroom located in the theater district to show their support. There were basket raffles that people could enter as well as a silent auction. Several musical groups also performed, providing entertainment for all guests.

Everyone involved in the event said they were beyond proud of how the community can come together when needed most.

“I always thought that at DC Theatricks, all of our customers were like family,” said family member Debbie Knoll. “These were people we knew from year to year. I think the community will give back to DC Theatricks what it has given to everyone over the years.