Steve & Jen Bates Family

If you know Jen & Steve Bates, you know they are two of the kindest, most generous, caring people in our community. They are happy to help and give back - especially when it comes to hauling band equipment for a local Ohio High School band. But now they are in need of our help to rebuild their home and lives after tremendous damages were sustained to their home and four of their five vehicles.

On April 1st, 2023, a horrific storm swept through the valley and resulted in bringing down two large oak trees onto (and into) Bates' family home, as well as onto/into four of their five vehicles. They, their daughter & son in law, and their pets were thankfully not injured. However, they can't say the same for their home and cars.

The first tree sliced through their roof and into the bathroom breaking five trusses of the roof and taking down the ceiling as well in the bedroom. The damage was so severe in the bathroom that the adjuster couldn't tell that there had even been a bathtub. Two of their vehicles were totaled, and insurance is only covering the cost of one. Their truck - which they had used in the past to haul the band equipment for the local high school band - was extensively damaged and it will be weeks until the repairs can be completed if it is not deemed a total loss. The other vehicle is drivable but has windshield damage.

All four of the family members work full-time jobs and are now down to two driveable vehicles as they navigate the difficult and slow process of dealing with their insurance company. So many expenses are having to be paid up front, every single item itemized for review. Their daughter and son-in-laws vehicles did not have full coverage and their homeowners policy will not cover them. Their homeowners adjuster has decided that their insurance will pay for only removal of the tree from the house itself and three feet from the home. The portion of the tree service they will be responsible for alone will be immense.

If you are able to help contribute a monetary donation that will help alleviate the additional expenses they are incurring due to insurance not covering everything, they would be extremely grateful!