Dear friends and family,
You likely know from the news that a Category 4 hurricane is an extremely powerful storm, characterized by sustained winds ranging from 130 to 156 mph and powerful storm surges. In a matter of moments, the winds can level homes, uproot trees, down power lines, and worse. Coastal storm surges can quickly cause devastating floods.
Kelly & Jeff and their sweet dog, Roux. My kind, smart, and loving niece, Kelly, her awesome husband Jeff, and their sweet dog, Roux, are among those impacted. Luckily, Kelly and Jeff have only suffered the loss of possessions that can be replaced; unfortunately, they’ve lost virtually everything.
The Storm. Thursday evening, September 27, Hurricane Helene, a Category-4 Hurricane, slammed into Northwest Florida, bringing with it a 9-foot storm surge (in Dunedin), quickly flooding the coastal and inland area. The damage is immense, and the storm system continues to move up the Eastern US Coast as I write. So many families and businesses have been impacted by Helene; both material devastation and human toll.
The Loss. Having recently relocated, Kelly and Jeff just moved into a rental home and purchased renters insurance. Unfortunately, in Florida, renters insurance excludes flood damage caused by hurricanes. While they are safe, the corrosive, salty seawater was unexpected, appeared quickly with unstoppable force, and rose just over two feet, destroying virtually everything in their home: two beds, bedroom furniture, sleeper sofa, living and dining room furniture, rugs, washer and dryer, bookcases, shoes, and storage area items. Both cars appear to be totaled. (Not sure yet) While they are putting in the effort to find a new home and salvage what they can, most everything needs to be replaced. THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT.
From Austin, TX to Dunedin, FL. Kelly and Jeff moved to Dunedin, FL in February of this year. They decided to relocate to Northwest Florida for the singular purpose of showing love and support to Kelly’s cousin Ashley (also my niece) who is struggling with unrelenting and very serious health issues.
Let’s show some love. Kelly and Jeff relocated to show their love and support -- I’d like to show them the same love and support they so willingly give to others, including me. To support Kelly and Jeff, please consider donating any amount to help them rebuild. Every donation will help.
Here's a link to a local news report:
Organizer and beneficiary
Kelly Grosch
Beneficiary