I am raising funds for my friends, Michael and Clayton, after a devastating house fire on Monday, October 5, 2026. 
 
 
 At the time of the fire, they were not home. They were in Maumee taking their youngest kitten, Marlin, to his first veterinary appointment when they received a call from a neighbor telling them their house was on fire. The fire began in the kitchen and is believed to have involved their Electrolux refrigerator, which was next to their gas range. Because their home is only about 520 square feet, thick smoke and soot spread quickly through the entire house and into the attic. Although the house was not declared a complete structural loss, nearly everything inside was destroyed or contaminated beyond saving. 
 
 
 This loss has been especially heartbreaking because Michael and Clayton had only recently finished paying off their home after seven years of payments. After finally reaching that point of relief, they are now facing the reality of rebuilding while nearly all of their belongings have been lost. They lost their clothing, furniture, appliances, televisions, shoes, socks, towels, blankets, pillows, books, dishes, small appliances, personal-care items, curtains, flooring, household necessities and countless other personal belongings. 
 
 
 Their two senior cats, Reagan and Max, were trapped inside during the fire, adding even more stress to an already painful situation. Reagan was found unconscious by firefighters, pulled from the home, given oxygen and successfully revived. Max was later found hiding underneath a couch in the living room. Clayton’s mom, Darlene, immediately transported both cats to MedVet, where they were evaluated and treated. Incredibly, both Reagan and Max survived without lasting respiratory damage. They are understandably shaken and traumatized by what happened, but they are alive and recovering. 
 
 
 Clayton and Michael also have eight ducks in their backyard. The ducks were not directly affected by the fire, but their care will become more difficult while Clayton and Michael are unable to live at the property. 
 
 
 For the foreseeable future, they will be staying in a small apartment onsite at Glass City Bait &amp; Tackle while they work toward making their house livable again. They have already begun the difficult process of completely cleaning out the home and plan to do much of the rebuilding and renovation themselves. The financial assistance available through their insurance will not come close to covering everything that needs to be replaced and repaired, which is why this fundraiser has been created. Donations will help with building and renovation materials, replacement furniture and appliances, clothing, everyday household necessities, flooring, windows, curtains, cleaning and restoration supplies, meals, temporary living expenses, cat food, litter, continued care for Reagan and Max, duck food and supplies, food vouchers or gift cards, fuel cards, and other unexpected costs that come with rebuilding after a fire. 
 
 
 Clayton and Michael are also the owners of Glass City Bait &amp; Tackle. Despite everything happening in their personal lives, they are committed to keeping the store operating and continuing all of their scheduled community events. There may be occasional temporary closures or longer fish-cleaning turnaround times while they divide their time between operating the business and rebuilding their home, but they are doing everything possible to maintain normal operations. 
 
 
 Anyone who knows Clayton and Michael knows how much of their time and energy they put into their business and their community. Whether it is hosting free community events, supporting local fishing programs, helping families, sponsoring activities or simply trying to be good neighbors, they have always tried to give back whenever they are able. They are incredibly thankful for the neighbors, friends, family members and first responders who stepped in when they needed help most. 
 
 
 Any support for Michael and Clayton would mean so much right now. If you are able to give or share this fundraiser, it would help them take the next steps toward replacing what was lost and making their home livable again. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help them begin replacing what was lost and rebuilding their home. 
 
 
 Clayton and Michael are incredibly grateful that they are safe, that Reagan and Max survived, and that their friends, family, neighbors and community stepped up so quickly when they needed them most. This will be a long road, and there are undoubtedly difficult days ahead. But Clayton and Michael have overcome many challenges together, and they are determined to overcome this one too. Thank you for donating, sharing, reaching out and supporting Clayton and Michael during this incredibly difficult chapter of their lives.

Theresa Morris

Kathryn Sullivan-Kolk

Randy Rutherford

Charles Smith

Anonymous

Riley Sommers

Christopher Boatman

Megan Stretavski

Jen Dotts

Elizabeth Carroll

herb haynes

Deborah Smith

Lisa Harter

wendy ross

Mark Hayden

Laura Rydman

Emily Taylor

Cortnie Magers

Donavin Oliger

GCBT Owners: Michael & Clayton' s House Fire Recovery

GCBT Owners: Michael & Clayton' s House Fire Recovery

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