The Redlick Kids

In January 2019, Mike “Red” Redlick — a devoted father, coach, and mentor — died under suspicious circumstances.  Several weeks later, Mike’s wife was arrested and charged with his death. In the span of a month, their children effectively lost both parents under cruel conditions.  During this time, several local families stepped forward to help these kids.  Whether it was making dinner, offering a hug, taking the kids to go-karts, or stepping up to be a guardian, these local families have been there to help.

The kids are doing remarkably well, all things considered. They are living with the mother of one of Mike’s daughter’s best friends, who stepped forward to be an Emergency Temporary Guardian in the wake of their mother’s arrest.  This family already knew the daughter well as she had already been staying at their house 2 to 3 nights a week for the 2 years prior to Mike’s untimely death — a sad reality which helped to make the transition easier for the kids.

The kids wish to remain here in Winter Park with Ashley, (their Guardian) so they can keep their friends and the families they have grown up with. Ashley opened her home to both kids and has recently been awarded Permanent Guardianship status. Having raised three daughters of her own, Ashley is prepared and happy to provide the kids with a great home and all the additional resources they will need to come out the other side healthy and happy.

It is important that everyone understands that Mike had no will and no life insurance. In addition to this, because the outcome of the mother's criminal trial is unknown,  survivor benefits for the children are not available yet. In addition to the everyday expenses, the kids are seeing therapists, and both the kids and Ashley have had to hire attorneys to navigate through the three cases affecting their future: their mother's criminal case, the probate (estate) and their Guardianship.  Many of the legal services have been offered pro-bono, but not all.

Even though Ashley has not asked for help, our goal is to see that the burden of these costs is lifted off her shoulders so she can focus on continuing to provide a loving and safe home for Sawyer & Jade.

We would ask that you reach out to anyone that you think might want to contribute and help Mike Redlick’s children. We also ask that everyone be as discrete as possible. It is our goal for the kids to remain unaware of these fundraising efforts. Any money that is left over will go to help support the kids with more immediate needs like counseling, camps, etc. 

On behalf of many individuals who have been working behind the scenes to help make sure Mike’s kids come out of this tragedy in the best way possible, we sincerely thank everyone who has already helped in any way and/or is willing to help going forward by contributing to this fund. Whether you can give $20 or $2,000, please know that every dollar helps! We would also like to thank Ashley and her family for being willing to step up under very difficult circumstances and provide both Redlick Kids a loving and stable home. 

Thank you!