7 Swans Barn Raising

Co-organized

Anitra Francis and Skye Priesz are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Skye Priesz.

Donation protected

It wasn't just a barn. It was a place that made magic and memories.

Memories that you and I and so many others created, and ones that have been shared with us from Skye and her family as she has always so graciously shared them with us.

Of course when they raise the roof again, there will be a big gathering where we can all get to work, but in the meantime, they need our help.

Please read the story below written by Skye, and give graciously as you are able.

"Around 4am on December 21st, the county sheriff was at our door with red and blue lights flashing. It’s such a sickening feeling knowing there is no good news that comes from law enforcement at that hour. Art opened the door and we were told our barn was fully engulfed in flames. The fire department was on the way, but it was already over half gone.

With extreme sadness we watched helplessly for the next 3 hours as the fire raged, the roof collapsed and flames breached the apartment where our son, Sterling, was NOT SLEEPING, but all of his belongings were.

It is an absolute loss of the building and everything inside, which included two tractors, and our skidloader, in addition to a shop full of tools, hay, barn stalls, and the bunkhouse apartment. Unfortunately, this outbuilding was uninsured, so there will be no claim to recover the damages.

Our most immediate needs have been generously met by friends and neighbors helping plow our driveway, feed and water the horses and evacuate the entire flock of sheep. We are full of gratitude.

The next steps we need to take include getting Sterling back on his feet with new basics such as clothing and shoes, etc… We also will be contracting for the rubble and debris removal, as it is an unsafe site for wildlife, and the environment. New power and water supplies for the livestock need to be restored before they can be home.

Ultimately, we hope to rebuild and replace some of what we lost, but that will be several years down the road.

Thank you to all of our friends, families, neighbors and even strangers that have shown us extreme kindness in this challenging chapter of our lives."