Fundraiser Launched To Help Beloved Darien Business Recover After Devastating Fire

DARIEN, CT — A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to help a beloved Darien business recover after a devastating fire.

A fire at Big Shots, a photo lab and framing shop in the 800 block of the Post Road, was reported at 12:06 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, Darien Fire Marshal Bob Buch told Patch.

The space was unoccupied at the time, Buch said, noting there was heavy fire, heat and smoke damage. Other tenant spaces also sustained smoke damage. No injuries were reported.

The fundraiser was launched this week by Niels van der Kloot, a friend of the business. The principal owner of Big Shots is listed as Chi Ho Leung, according to online state business records.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had garnered over $1,300 toward a$70,000 goal.

"For many years, Big Shots Photo & Framing has been a beloved part of the Darien community. More than just a local business, it has been a place where countless families have entrusted their most cherished photographs, memories, and special moments to people who genuinely care about their work and their customers," van der Kloot wrote in the fundraiser's description.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing the people behind Big Shots for many years, and I can personally attest to their kindness, dedication, and commitment to this community. They are exactly the kind of hardworking local business owners who make Darien such a special place to live," van der Kloot added. "Now, it's our turn to be there for them."

Money raised through the fundraiser will go toward recovery, such as replacing damaged equipment, helping with losses related to the interruption in business, van der Kloot explained.

"Let's come together as a community and help Big Shots get back to doing what they do best."

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.