Help the Aquil Family Rebuild After Fire
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Help the Aquil Family Rebuild After a Devastating Fire
On the night of November 6, the Aquil family—Ali, Chiquila, and their three children, Hakim, Saudia, and Bilal—faced an unimaginable, tragic loss. In a single night, a devastating home fire destroyed everything the Aquils had worked so hard to build. They lost their home, beloved pets, cars, appliances, and all their personal belongings. This incredible family was left with only the clothes they wore that night, and they now face the overwhelming journey of rebuilding from nothing.
Ali grew up in a family known for their compassion and dedication to helping others. His father, Hakim Aquil, lost his battle to cancer in 2015. He was a beloved community organizer who co-founded the 25th Annual Charity Festival that focused on central Florida’s underserved and underrepresented populations. Ali’s mother, Shahidah Aquil, is a highly respected educator who has spent over thirty years educating and uplifting Tampa’s youth, especially those who struggle academically. Ali and Chiquila have continued this family legacy of service and generosity.
Originally from Florida, Ali and Chiquila Aquil have overcome countless obstacles together. Despite facing hurricanes, financial setbacks, and other challenges, they built a life and loving home for their children. Ali is deeply involved in his community as the Chairman of the Tampa Citizen Review Board, and his wife, Chiquila, is equally committed to their family and community. Together, they have created a foundation of resilience and love for their children, even through the most challenging of times.
Their eldest son, Hakim, is a dedicated 20-year-old sophomore at Florida State University, where he excels as a focused, hardworking student, balancing school and work responsibilities. Saudia is a high school junior who works part-time at Publix and has dreams of attending college to major in veterinary medicine. Bilal is a bright, curious, and energetic seven-year-old. The children have now lost the security and stability of the only home they have ever known.
Why We Need Your Help Now
With their insurance lapsed, The Aquils have no safety net to rebuild or replace what was lost. They also have no means of transportation after Hurricane Milton destroyed their car earlier this year. With the holidays and winter semester approaching, they urgently need essentials—clothing, shelter, furniture, appliances, and other basic items for daily life.
Their home was a place filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. More heartbreaking still, the fire took the lives of their beloved dog Max, their cat Whiskers, and their cherished blue gold parrot. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the family is determined to focus on moving forward and rebuilding.
We are reaching out to the community and beyond to help the Aquil family rebuild their lives and provide stability for their children during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward securing a new home, replacing essential items, and helping the Aquils heal from this profound loss. Please, if you can, help the family start anew. Your support means everything to the family of five as they strive to rebuild and find hope again.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion.
For more information about the fire, please see news coverage below:
Organizer
Chiquila Aquil
Organizer
Tampa, FL