JoAnn and Bob Franklin, owners of Franklin Floats in Lesterville, have spent nearly 50 years building not only a family business, but a place that has become part of the heart of their community.

On Friday, July 10, catastrophic flooding devastated Lesterville, forcing JoAnn and Bob from their home and leaving behind extensive damage to both their family home and the business they have dedicated their lives to building. The flood destroyed personal belongings, damaged vehicles, swept away business equipment, and claimed irreplaceable family heirlooms collected over generations.

For more than 45 years, JoAnn and Bob have welcomed families, friends, and visitors to experience the beauty of the Black River through Franklin Floats. They have always been there for their community, and now they need their community's support.

Funds raised through this campaign will help provide immediate recovery assistance and address expenses not covered by insurance, FEMA, SBA disaster assistance, or other relief programs. Donations may be used for temporary living expenses, cleanup and recovery efforts, business interruption, replacing essential necessities, and other urgent needs as JoAnn and Bob work to rebuild their lives and restore Franklin Floats.

The road ahead will be long, but every donation, share, and word of encouragement will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for helping JoAnn and Bob begin the difficult journey toward recovery. Your generosity will help this family—and a business that means so much to so many—move forward one step at a time.