The Van Guilder's Recovery from Vermont's Floods

Gary Van Guilder is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Kelly Calvin.

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Hello, we are the children of Herbert and Sandy Van Guilder of Ludlow, Vermont. Thank you for taking a moment to read our story. Our parents are 80 years old and living on a fixed retirement income. They have suffered significant loss to their property as a result of the recent flash floods that struck the northeast United States on July 10 and 11, 2023. Ludlow experienced some of the worst flooding in the state. Below is a video of the flooding that swept through Main Street in Ludlow, along with some pictures of the damage to their property. Much of the water you see rushing into our town originated upstream from a smaller river known as the Jewel Brook where my parent's property resides. This river was quickly overrun with torrential rains that exceeded what Hurricane Irene did back in 2011. The river washed away much of our parent's land. Other parts of the property were extensively damaged with considerable loss of trees and ruined landscaping. Many items were swallowed into the rushing water, including two sheds that housed lawnmowers, numerous tools, and other equipment. Luckily, their home and their lives were spared.

Our parents are genuine hardworking Vermonters - extremely tough, stubborn, and old-fashioned. To be a Vermonter means you put others first – you give, you care, you lend, you support – with compassion and unconditionality. For decades, that is precisely what our parents have done, always putting other people’s needs above theirs, even at the expense of their own financial and emotional well-being. Today, we are asking for you to give back to them.

All donations will be transferred directly into their bank account so they can be used immediately to repair the land, rebuild sheds, and replace lost items. Any amount you are willing to contribute is truly appreciated. If you are unable to donate at this time, please pass this along to your friends and family.

Thank you for your consideration!

On behalf of our loving parents,

Kelly, Gary, and Jason