Sometimes God allows the fire, not to destroy us, but to reveal how much love and strength surrounds us.”

In the early morning hours of December 9, 2025, Rob known to many as “Spike” and his wife Dawn experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Around 1:00 a.m., while Rob was still at work, Dawn woke to find their pole barn fully engulfed in flames.

Anyone who knows Rob and Dawn knows they are avid anglers, drag racers, and above all, that Rob is a lifelong mechanic with an unmatched passion for working on cars both old and new. Rob has been working on motors since he was just 7 or 8 years old, when he and his brother learned to get go-karts running alongside their father. That spark grew into a calling that helped shape the man he is today.

When Rob isn’t working his day job, he’s in his pole barn his second home working on engines, doing oil changes, brakes, tires, and repairs of all kinds. Many friends, family members, and even friends-of-friends have relied on Rob over the years. He has always been there to lend a hand, never hesitating and never asking for anything in return. He loves what he does, and he does it exceptionally well.

Tragically, the pole barn was a total loss. Nothing was spared. Every tool, every fishing item, Rob’s boat, and perhaps most heartbreakingly, his treasured 1941 Cadillac limousine a labor of love he was restoring alongside his 6-year-old grandson—were completely destroyed.

While some can imagine the heartbreak, most could never fully grasp the magnitude of this loss especially during a season meant for hope, family, and togetherness. Yet even in this devastation, Rob and Dawn are profoundly thankful that no one was hurt, trusting in faith as they face the road ahead.

We have created this GoFundMe to help Rob and Dawn rebuild what can never truly be replaced, but at least help Rob get back on his feet and back to doing what he loves working out of a garage again. Insurance money will never fully cover what was lost, and those who have faced similar loss understand that reality all too well.

Rob and Dawn remain the same selfless, caring people they have always been still willing to help others even in the midst of their own hardship. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Any donation, share, or prayer is deeply appreciated and means more than words can express.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for standing with them during this difficult season.