SCHOHARIE, N.Y. -- Dan Smith is usually the one giving back.

As a member of the Schoharie Fire Department, Scho-Wright Ambulance and the Schoharie County Sheriff's office, serving the community is what he does best. But Thursday night was all about Smith and his family.

"It's amazing to see, but I'll tell you what, it's difficult to receive this," said Smith, at a fundraiser at Your Way Cafe. "It's so much easier to give."

On Monday, firefighters were called to a structure fire on State Route 30. It was Smith's home. He was just about to have dinner with his family when a fire broke out.

"I was actually in the kitchen and heard what sounded like a tornado, severe thunderstorm coming through," Smith said. "Ran outside to see the storm coming and as soon as I opened the door, I just got hit by the wall of flames coming up through the desk."

Everyone made it out safely. But Smith and his family lost everything in the fire.

The news spread quickly and the community wanted to help including Darcy Grey.

"I actually got up Tuesday morning early and I was driving by the house and I was like 'Oh my god, Danny's house is gone,' " said Grey, the manager at Your Way Cafe.

Grey was planning a post-parade party at the cafe. But once she saw what happened, Grey decided to turn it into a benefit for Smith and his family.

She says the community responded quickly with many donations.

"It has poured in," Grey said. "I have one person that brought five things and maybe another person that brought three or four. Other than that, it has been all individuals that have wanted to do it themselves."

Following the parade, the community made their way up Main Street to the cafe. Many took part in the Chinese auction, raffles and a bake sale to help get Smith and his family get back on their feet.

They're currently staying in Richmondville but plan to rebuild their home in Schoharie.

"This is our home," Smith said. "This is where we want to be, so we're excited to come back as soon as we possibly can."

A GoFundMe page has been setup for Smith and his family.