McConnell Fire Recovery
Donation protected
On Monday, March 6, as firefighters scrambled to tame a raging wildfire that was quickly charging toward Haxtun, Colorado, Kyle McConnell was taking care of others at his own cost. That's just how my brother works.
After making sure his wife and five children (including his two month-old twin daughters) were taken care of he went to check on his cattle. What he found would have devastated most, as almost his entire herd was either already dead or near-death and in agony from the fast-moving fire. But instead of stopping and worrying about his loss, Kyle joined several area farmers for the next 8 hours creating fire lines to protect the homes and farms of his neighbors and friends. Always a leader, Kyle kept recruiting other area farmers to expand their efforts to contain the blaze.
Only after the perimeter of the fire was under close watch later Monday night did Kyle pause to fully realize his loss. Nearly 100 animals were badly burned and had to be put down to relieve their suffering. In all he lost around 185 cattle, including this year's calves. As those familliar with ranching know, very few livestock animals are insured, and the McConnell herd was in this category. Initial estimates put the loss at around $340,000.
The financial impact, while huge, can only be matched by the agony of seeing years of dedication to his herd wiped out by one day's flames. For those that don't know the way of life of a rancher, these animals are typically placed before the owner's personal comforts and needs.
As you would guess, Kyle is not the type to ask for help. If you caught the CBS 5 interview today, you can see his simlutaneous heartache and resolve:
(http://denver.cbslocal.com/video/3632836-massive-wildfire-destroys-five-homes-on-eastern-plains/ )
Rebuilding isn't optional. Reluctantly Kyle has allowed us to reach out to the public to assist him and his family in rebuilding. He is in the process of applying for government assistance to help with his loss, but recouping 100% of his loss in unlikely. Please consider contributing no matter how small or large of a donation you can make.
1. Who am I and where I'm from? I am Shanda Vandenbark from Mesa AZ
2. My relationship or contact to the parties I'm raising funds for? Kyle McConnell is my brother.
3. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)? Funds will be spent replacing the herd of cattle lost in the fire through salebarns or private treaty.
4. Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from the campaign to the ultimate beneficiary/ies? Our withdrawal plan is through the gofundme neneficiary's option to transfer the funds directly to Kyle McConnell. He will then use the funds immediately to purhcase replacement animals.
Photo credit: Bo Rader The Wichita Eagle
After making sure his wife and five children (including his two month-old twin daughters) were taken care of he went to check on his cattle. What he found would have devastated most, as almost his entire herd was either already dead or near-death and in agony from the fast-moving fire. But instead of stopping and worrying about his loss, Kyle joined several area farmers for the next 8 hours creating fire lines to protect the homes and farms of his neighbors and friends. Always a leader, Kyle kept recruiting other area farmers to expand their efforts to contain the blaze.
Only after the perimeter of the fire was under close watch later Monday night did Kyle pause to fully realize his loss. Nearly 100 animals were badly burned and had to be put down to relieve their suffering. In all he lost around 185 cattle, including this year's calves. As those familliar with ranching know, very few livestock animals are insured, and the McConnell herd was in this category. Initial estimates put the loss at around $340,000.
The financial impact, while huge, can only be matched by the agony of seeing years of dedication to his herd wiped out by one day's flames. For those that don't know the way of life of a rancher, these animals are typically placed before the owner's personal comforts and needs.
As you would guess, Kyle is not the type to ask for help. If you caught the CBS 5 interview today, you can see his simlutaneous heartache and resolve:
(http://denver.cbslocal.com/video/3632836-massive-wildfire-destroys-five-homes-on-eastern-plains/ )
Rebuilding isn't optional. Reluctantly Kyle has allowed us to reach out to the public to assist him and his family in rebuilding. He is in the process of applying for government assistance to help with his loss, but recouping 100% of his loss in unlikely. Please consider contributing no matter how small or large of a donation you can make.
1. Who am I and where I'm from? I am Shanda Vandenbark from Mesa AZ
2. My relationship or contact to the parties I'm raising funds for? Kyle McConnell is my brother.
3. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)? Funds will be spent replacing the herd of cattle lost in the fire through salebarns or private treaty.
4. Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from the campaign to the ultimate beneficiary/ies? Our withdrawal plan is through the gofundme neneficiary's option to transfer the funds directly to Kyle McConnell. He will then use the funds immediately to purhcase replacement animals.
Photo credit: Bo Rader The Wichita Eagle
Organizer and beneficiary
Shanda Vandenbark
Organizer
Mesa, AZ
Kyle McConnell
Beneficiary