140mph Storm Relief Fund for Iowa Farm Couple

Hello all...

On Monday, August 10, Derecho winds unexpectedly tore through many
counties in Iowa, destroying millions of acres of crops, toppling trees,
damaging houses and leaving over 500,000 without power.  My sister,
Nancy, and her longtime partner, Randy, have a 40 acre farm with cows,
sheep and Nigerian Dwarf Goats in Palo, Iowa.  There was very little
warning before the storm.  Nancy was at home on the hilltop farm at the
time of the storm and had less than 5 minutes to gather pets and run to
the basement.  140mph sustained winds hit their farm, leveling buildings,
ripping off roofs, damaging vehicles,  bringing down power lines onto their
house and many destroying many trees all over their property.  The winds
they experienced were the equivalent of a Category 4 Hurricane. 

Below is a brief clip of the News Coverage of the storm


Nancy's View when she emerged from the basement - door blocked by huge downed limbs

3 enormous pine trees toppled, grapevines ruined

The Aftermath

Thankfully, there was no loss of human or animal life but large trees fell
on their house,  many building were destroyed, equipment and tractors
damaged, along with all the hay they had put up to feed their livestock
over the winter and spring . They are both extremely hard workers,
having full-time jobs in addition to their 24/7 life as farmers.  Randy also
serves on the Palo Volunteer Fire Department and was called to respond
on a daily basis in the aftermath of the storm, leaving his own farm 
to help others.  

Nancy and Randy are stunned by the amount of damage to the farm they
have put so much energy and care into.  In fact they were aspiring to become
one of the Top 10  Prettiest Farms in Iowa and felt they were on track to meet
the goal within the next 6 months.  My heart goes out to them and I can attest
to the jaw-dropping severity of the storm and wide spread devastation to the
area I experienced first hand while on site to help clear debris.  I am including
some  "after" photos first and "before" at the end.  

Barn Roof totally ripped off


Building debris strewn across pastures

The Goat House is under 3 downed trees - thankfully, all goats survived but shaken

What the Funds Raised Will Go Towards

Nancy and Randy are incredibly grateful to family, neighbors, co-workers
and friends who helped from afar or arrived in person or sent thoughts
and prayers.  Iowans show up to help without asking - bringing food,
gatorade, chainsaws and gloves, Thank You to all- it was humbling.  
It made me very proud to say I grew up in such a special place.

The road to recovery for them is a long one and there are many immediate
expenses  to care for their livestock.   Any monetary donations will go
towards immediate expenses such as: debris removal, rebuilding fences,
rebuilding and repairing shelters & lamb/goat kid nurseries, and securing
sufficient hay and storage to feed all their animals over the winter.  
The expense just for the hay alone will be close to $10,000. 

A Crisis In the Midst of a Pandemic

Having a crisis inside a pandemic is ultra challenging, but Nancy and Randy have
been plugging away everyday, making their "to-do" lists and getting after it.  
Heck, they even crack a joke or two as they drag away pieces of buildings and
stack huge chunks of tree debris.    I am deeply grateful for any amount you may
be able to contribute.

Please share with friends and family- the wider the net we cast, the more help
we can bring!  If you download the GoFundMe app, you can share via Text Message,
Email, Facebook post, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

 
3 Pine trees and all other trees to the left came down