Mark Arneson looses everything in house fire!
Donation protected
Hello- my name is Rachel Arneson and I am creating this fundraiser to help my father Mark.
As many of you know, Mark Arneson had a house fire on Monday. While he is super lucky he was not harmed and his animals made it out safely- he is devastated by the loss of his home.
He did not have replacement insurance at the time of his house fire. Mark is a man of little possessions. His sentiments in life were his instruments, his piece of paradise on Hickory Ridge Lane, his barn and farm animals, and his memories that he held in that home. It was an old home and it was his.
Right now we are working on a few short term plans to help stabilize my dad and his living space. As of now, he has managed to “farmer mark” up a few things to keep his farm moving. He managed to somehow create a flow of electricity and water so he is able to pump out enough to feed and water his horses. If you know Mark, keeping his animal taken care of was his very first priority during this catastrophe. If I could explain what he told me, I would, but he’s a creative genius and I do not understand a word of it. He is going to use this strategy to make it through winter living in a trailer on his acreage. Once spring comes and he is able to do more, we are going to need to hire out a lot of help to bring electric to a new living space for him on his farm.
Many people have offered material donations, which is soo kind, but without a home, we do not have anywhere to put them. I am hoping to make my way there next week to start figuring out places to store items for him or rent out a storage shed. More to come on that information and he is so thankful for peoples continuous offers of things to help make his home, a home, even without a home.
Many people have also asked about a go fund me- it took quite a bit of convincing for him to be ok with this type of help, but now that the smoke is clearing and he’s been able to be present and see what he is facing, he gave me the ok. It’s very hard for him to accept help, especially of this kind, but there are so many generous, compassionate, kind humans in the world that want to help relieve this burden for him and sometimes it’s ok to not be ok and accept their offers of help.
I can also post my personal Venmo on here if you would prefer to donate directly through Venmo- just be sure to comment Mark Arneson so I know that that is where the funds need to be dispersed to. I will also plan to set up something at the bank in Genoa on Monday if people would prefer to go that route. I have also heard people have been donating directly to his bank account and this is amazing and so appreciated. My dad is a man who doesn’t like to create much rumble in this world unless it’s with a saxophone, piano or bassoon, so he’s feeling very overwhelmed by the entire situation. He’s very “peopled out” so feel free to contact me or my brother if you have any questions or ideas that may help us navigate this situation.
Also- another plan of his mine is to try to find him some instruments. I will be looking for a piano and saxophones (alto and tenor). His music can not die with this home. Feel free to contact me with any leads on those.
After seeing all the love and support for my dad, I really realized how much I miss the small towns of Genoa, DeSoto and Stoddard. It has been really hard to be away from him during all of this.
Thank you so much!!
As many of you know, Mark Arneson had a house fire on Monday. While he is super lucky he was not harmed and his animals made it out safely- he is devastated by the loss of his home.
He did not have replacement insurance at the time of his house fire. Mark is a man of little possessions. His sentiments in life were his instruments, his piece of paradise on Hickory Ridge Lane, his barn and farm animals, and his memories that he held in that home. It was an old home and it was his.
Right now we are working on a few short term plans to help stabilize my dad and his living space. As of now, he has managed to “farmer mark” up a few things to keep his farm moving. He managed to somehow create a flow of electricity and water so he is able to pump out enough to feed and water his horses. If you know Mark, keeping his animal taken care of was his very first priority during this catastrophe. If I could explain what he told me, I would, but he’s a creative genius and I do not understand a word of it. He is going to use this strategy to make it through winter living in a trailer on his acreage. Once spring comes and he is able to do more, we are going to need to hire out a lot of help to bring electric to a new living space for him on his farm.
Many people have offered material donations, which is soo kind, but without a home, we do not have anywhere to put them. I am hoping to make my way there next week to start figuring out places to store items for him or rent out a storage shed. More to come on that information and he is so thankful for peoples continuous offers of things to help make his home, a home, even without a home.
Many people have also asked about a go fund me- it took quite a bit of convincing for him to be ok with this type of help, but now that the smoke is clearing and he’s been able to be present and see what he is facing, he gave me the ok. It’s very hard for him to accept help, especially of this kind, but there are so many generous, compassionate, kind humans in the world that want to help relieve this burden for him and sometimes it’s ok to not be ok and accept their offers of help.
I can also post my personal Venmo on here if you would prefer to donate directly through Venmo- just be sure to comment Mark Arneson so I know that that is where the funds need to be dispersed to. I will also plan to set up something at the bank in Genoa on Monday if people would prefer to go that route. I have also heard people have been donating directly to his bank account and this is amazing and so appreciated. My dad is a man who doesn’t like to create much rumble in this world unless it’s with a saxophone, piano or bassoon, so he’s feeling very overwhelmed by the entire situation. He’s very “peopled out” so feel free to contact me or my brother if you have any questions or ideas that may help us navigate this situation.
Also- another plan of his mine is to try to find him some instruments. I will be looking for a piano and saxophones (alto and tenor). His music can not die with this home. Feel free to contact me with any leads on those.
After seeing all the love and support for my dad, I really realized how much I miss the small towns of Genoa, DeSoto and Stoddard. It has been really hard to be away from him during all of this.
Thank you so much!!
Organizer
Rachel Arneson
Organizer
Genoa, WI