Debra and Ben Phillips Fire

The first week of January 2016 was not a pleasant one for Debra and Ben Phillips, owners of Drummond Island Unique Cedar Furniture on Drummond Island, MI.
The New Year started with a fire that consumed Ben's workshop, destroying all his tool - over $9000 worth and many parts that were ready to be assembled into the terrific furniture he makes.


Their daughter Sarah Phillips writes, "These pictures make me sad and sick to my stomach. This is what is left of my Dad's workshop. He spent hours here creating one of a kind wood pieces from gorgeous beds to one of a kind tables and everything In between."

"If you know my parents at all you know they are two of the most kind, generous people that you will ever meet. You are always greeted with a smile from my mother and probably a smart ass remark from my dad (depending on who you are!) This is their livelihood. How they make a living. Now burned to the ground."


"We are just thankful that they are ok. They will rebuild as soon as they can but it takes time and money."

"I know that we would all like to thank the Drummond Island firefighters that came out and spent hours putting it out. Cedar does not put out easily! Also to all that have stopped to give their kind words, to offer what they have to help rebuild or just to even bring a dish for supper. They appreciate it more than you will ever know! Even when my dad doesn't say much just know it does mean the world! He's just not much for expressing his feelings."

"Thank you all again for being there for them and just know that this is just a bump in the road! You can expect more amazing pieces of art again very soon!"


Money is needed immediately to help the Phillips rebuild.

We're hoping to raise at least $10,000 to cover the cost of tools, but in reality the Phillips need more than that. Ben had about 95 swings pieces, made plus his stumps he was working on, and countless other things. So money is needed to buy materials to rebuild the workshop and to pay for their time to recreate what was destroyed.

How you can help -
*Please donate $5, $25, $200 or more, what ever is comfortable to you will greatly help.

*Please share this with your friends and family and your social media pages.

*An account is set up at Sune's Do It Best hardware store on Drummond Island [phone redacted] and DeTour Drummond Credit Union, both of which you can donate money as well. (All moneys from this GoFundMe fundraiser will be deposited directly to Debra and Ben's account at the credit union.)

*And this spring here will be a benefit at Chuck's Restaurant and Bar, so please come have a great meal and support the Phillips family.

Thank you in advance for any and all the support you can give. It's greatly appreciated and will make a tremendous difference in two very kind people's lives.

(Photos courtesy of Sarah Phillips and Drummond Island Unique Cedar Furniture.)

On Facebook at Drummond Island Unique Cedar Furniture LLC