Support Fred & Mary - Fire Destroyed Carving Shop

We are humbly seeking a crowdsource fund to assist our dear friends, Fred & Mary Gilbert, who sustained a significant loss on Jan. 20, 2024. In the middle of the night, Fred’s dream of opening a storefront to sell his woodcarvings and other oddities went up in flames…along with his new workshop and shed resulting in a total loss of all of his specialty tools and equipment. Since he was in the final stages of completing the building prior to opening, everything was uninsured. The financial loss is undeniable; however, the time spent creating the dream, and a lifetime of collecting the exact tools that best supported his creativity and expertise can never be replaced.

To know Fred is to love Fred, and we’re constantly amazed by the seemingly unrelated circle of friends that have a connection and deep admiration of his giving spirit and natural way of making people feel included and appreciated. “Oh, yeah, I know Fred…”, they’ll say…we don’t always know how, but do know that Fred never met a stranger that didn’t walk away a friend.

His unasked-for role as “Mayor of Rockwood” keeps him busy volunteering hours to coordinate, organize, and actively maintain the village. When the area floods (as this Mississippi River bottom is prone to do), Fred is there to ensure his neighbors’ safety and to coordinate efforts to help area residents.

He has been deeply involved in Raddle the Bottoms Music Festival – a fundraiser designed to offset treatment costs for cancer patients since its inception in 2006. His connections in the music scene has helped sustain the event, and he donates countless hours (and his artwork and handiwork) to its success. The music at Raddle is played on a unique stage imagined and built by Fred (with the help of many volunteers). It really is a step back to the old times as it is a replica of his grandparents’ home in Appalachia.

If you’ve ever been invited into The Gilberts’ little corner of the world – a popular spot for jeepers and wayward travelers, you know what a unique place it is. Not because of its natural wonder (and it is INCREDIBLE), but because of their light-hearted perspective on life that shines through as soon as you arrive. They have hosted a number of gatherings, and we always make sure to introduce our out-of-town guests to Fred and his special place. The “guilt by association” of knowing Fred just makes us better people.

For our wedding gift over 10yrs. ago, Fred created a chain-saw carving of a tree-spirit into one of our large oak trees (pictures shown). His talent is undeniable, and while he’s managed to do his art on the side for years, it wasn’t until after he retired from SIU as a union painter 5yrs. ago that he could really focus on his dream of sharing his art with the world. He began building his storefront and workshop, and it was a one-of-a-kind, custom build that he created almost single-handedly over that time. He expected to open “Rockwood Carving” this spring. Since the project was not yet completed, everything that was lost was not yet insured. The fire that destroyed the buildings and its contents will be a tremendous setback, but we cannot stand idly by and allow it to stop him.

No gift is too small. If only those that have stepped foot on their property and shared a good time and a laugh with the Gilberts gave $20, they’d be well on their way to recovery. Our goal is to fund the money that will pay for the tools and equipment needed to clear away the debris and start rebuilding – but more than that, the tools he needs to continue helping the community. Please consider giving what you can, even if it’s a warm hug or a word of encouragement when you see Fred and Mary. Thank you for helping these friends.

The Sickmeyers