Rebuilding Fund for Rachel & Rich

 

Rachel and Rich have dedicated their lives to serving the communities of Grand County. Rachel just celebrated 20 years as a 911 dispatcher for the county last month and Rich has been keeping locals and visitors alike safe and entertained as a boat and snowmobile mechanic and tour guide since he was just a teenager working at the local marina. Rich also served as a firefighter for the Grand Lake Fire Protection District for 15 years. These are people who are used to doing the helping, not being the recipients of help, so this is tough, to put it lightly. As Rachel's sister, I've known her for quite a while now (wink) and can honestly say she's probably the kindest, most generous, compassionate and selfless person I know. 

 

Last Wednesday night, their home (along with many of their friends' and neighbors' homes) was a total loss to the massive East Troublesome fire that swept through the northwestern part of the State at an incredibly rapid rate. Residents in the area went from pre-evacuation to immediate evacuation status in a matter of about 15 minutes, so they were given just enough notice to grab a few precious items from the house. They lost almost everything to this horrific fire, including more than $50k worth of Rich's tools which were stored in the shop where he works... another structure lost in the fire that night. 

 

It looks like the insurance policies for their home as well as the shop where these tools were stored will not be adequate to replace what they once had. And due to the fire at the shop, Rich's return to work for the coming winter season (and possibly beyond) is uncertain. What definitely cannot be replaced are the countless unique items these two had been collecting over their 26+ years together and all of the one-of-a-kind finishes they included during the construction of their home. This place was not just any house - it was truly a labor of love for this incredible couple.  And they are certainly capable of rebuilding and doing it all over again, but that doesn't change the fact that many precious items full of memories are gone forever. Donations to this fund will help Rachel and Rich start to put this nightmare behind them and get back to doing what they do best, helping others. 

Thank you for your support!
Love,
The Born Family