Help Garrett and Emily cover expenses from a fire

I am Zachary Burgart and Garrett Leo Augustyn and his partner Emily Christopherson are some of my best friends and they need your help.

On Monday, September 20, 2021, Garrett arrived at his Chicago apartment, which he and his partner Emily reside at, only to find that the building was engulfed in flames and there were over a dozen fire trucks and police cars blocking his access to the apartment and fighting the fire. The apartment above theirs had a fire start in the attic, thankfully Emily and Garrett were not home.

Emily and Garrett were able to return to the apartment a couple of days later only to find that although their apartment did not burn; the heat, steam, and water damage had already ruined most of their things, especially in the bedroom and living area. Smoke and water damage is extensive.

Emily and Garrett live their lives for others. Garrett, until recently, was the Art Director for a not-for-profit, CreatiVets, that brings veterans to art and music in which he had spent his entire adult life volunteering and working for them helping Veterans show their experiences. Garrett also works full-time as an Art Educator in the Chicago Public School System. Emily as well has spent her entire adult life teaching and helping others at a not-for-profit, Firebird Community Arts, which provides art as a tool for healing to young people impacted by trauma.

The funds we raise here will help them pay for the repair and replacement of their wardrobe, a new bed, and other quickly needed items that won't wait for potential insurance coverage.

Please help if you can. These are wonderful people.