Herbert's House Fire Fund

As many of you know, Dave and Ilea's (my parents) lives changed on the afternoon of September 11, 2016 when their garage caught fire and spread to their home.   Thankfully the two of them escaped with minor medical, and the two cats were rescued by the emergency services.  The most important thing is that all are okay! I can't express that enough.   

To read about the fire click here:  News Article and
YouTube Link Click Here

How did the fire start?  It was ruled as "undetermined".  Most likely in the roof of the garage. 
This fire went undetected and went fast! 

I had the opporutnity to go back a few days after the fire to help where I could.  It is in that week that I realized pictures don't do this situation justice. 

While certain things are noticeable as a total loss, other things may look to be okay, but not salvageable due to the amount of fire, smoke and water damage.   The air is hard to breathe. 

Their home / vehicles are deemed a total loss, and unfortunately the amount of money the insurance will be providing is not enough to cover the loss, cleaning/restoration, medical, and emergency services...and more.   Vehicles (daily drivers...motorcycle) are only paid at Blue Book value...

I want to express my gratitude to the residents of the town they live in, and for the outpouring of concern and help from family, friends, church and people in general (including youtubers...which know my dad as:  NightFlyyer).   You all are AMAZING!!!!

I've been asked numerous times where one can donate.   With that, I've started this page for those interested. 

Goal #1 - 10,000 - You all helped meet the goal that I originally set with a few days!  I didn't know what type of response would be received. I had no idea that there would be so many supportive people with huge hearts filled with generosity to even come close to that amount. On top of it, some of you have even asked to send them a care package / RC things.
Reading your stories and encouragement is so touching! I'm just in awe. 
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! To each one of you Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and I know my parent's hearts).

Goal #2 - 15,000 (I wasn't sure if I should raise the original goal or leave it - first timer setting up this type of thing, so I raised it by $5,000 for those that have yet to visit the site and would like to donate.  

No amount is too small...and every single dollar is appreciated.   

How will the funds help?  
Funds will go towards any costs associated with rebuilding their "home"... lives and trying to replace things that gave them enjoyment in retirement.   Basically filling in that gap of insurance, bills associated with all of this and what it truly will cost to get close to where they were before with household items, personal items, cars and hobbies. 

Looking at their situation, being retired and knowing they worked hard to get to where they are... I am grateful for your consideration to donate.  And if you should not be inclined to donate, prayers are always appreciated.  

Thank you,
Tanya
(Daughter to Dave and Ilea)

P.S.  Things to pass on (a good reminder to me that I wanted to share)
* Review your insurance policies on home and car. 
- Do you have medical coverage?
- Do you have costs to cover emergency services (including water used)?
- Are you covered for collectables? 
- Are you covered for replacment cost or actual value...and do you have enough coverage in your policy for these items?
- Is the replacement value of your home current if you did any additions to it?  Material costs to rebuild?
- Restoration companies are not cheap, and that will come out of your "personal" payout. 

* A good item to have in the garage is an A, B, C fire extinguisher or two (the professional ones - 10 to 15 pounds - something along those lines).  Don't be a hero using it, but if it is in your garage... it can help as I believe they are set to go off at a certain temperature.

* What are a couple items that mean the most to you and where are they?  Are they protected and accessible to grab if not?    We can't take "stuff" with us when this life is gone... however, there is a point where a person should have a choice of what they wish to keep, donate or discard, but in a disaster... those choices are decided for you.  So... a good question to ask yourself as to what is the most important should you encounter a disaster in your home. 

* A fire doubles quickly in size.... what you thing is small turns into something big in a matter of moments.

Side note: This website will take 7.9% for service fees plus .30 cents per donation (If my math is correct...that is .38 cents in fees for $1.00, but $1.88 in fees for $20.00).  They will not charge the person donating.  These donations can't be claimed on your taxes as a donation.  I just like to keep people informed. 

For those of you that personally know me and wish to donate, but not use this site... please feel free to reach out to me directly. 

I know others have mentioned they wanted to send RC items directly, along with other things...that is very kind.  The PO box will work for US Mail.  Should you want to use UPS, I can provide instructions.