Hi Everyone,

First, a little disclaimer: If you know us, you probably know that neither Rick or I are ones to ask for help. But, after several people inquiring, we decided to suck up our pride and create a GoFundMe page. In no way do we intend to guilt or coerce anyone into contributing; Times are tough and we know people work hard for the money they have, are supporting children, or battling an illness. So this is solely meant to provide an easier way for those who are in a position to, and wish to help financially. But PLEASE do not feel any sense of obligation, honestly.

For those who may not be in the position to help financially but are willing and able to help with clean-up, we will be spending each day over the weekend ripping up carpeting, tearing down drywall, and clearing out the debris in the yard.  Any physical help would mean the world, and help expedite the process.  If you're not in the position to help with anything stated above, please contact Rich or Rick as we may have other ways we could use an extra hand!

This past Wednesday, as Ida's "aftermath" tore through the state, Phoenixville, Port Providence and neighboring areas were hit especially hard. Throughout that evening, Rick and I waited nervously, continuously checking for updates on the storm & any flood warnings. When the river crested, our surrounding property was completely submerged. It seemed like only minutes that passed, and our porch was under water. As Rick took the dogs upstairs, I did my best to gather what we would need to spend the night without power on the second floor. We listened to all of our belongings and furniture crash to the floor or bang against the walls, floating in the pool that was once our first floor, as water began to climb the stairs. At this point we were afraid to escape because the electricity was still working from a couple outlets, with lamps, somehow, still illuminated underwater. At about 1 or 2am, we saw searchlights and boats, with men shouting into a megaphone that we needed to leave NOW, before the dam broke. We couldn't bring anything except our dogs; we had no time to grab any belongings - just the clothes we had on our backs.

Our entire neighborhood was essentially underwater that night, setting a record for damage. Our house was still under water until today. Seeing our property for the first time this morning was probably one of the worst feelings either of us have ever experienced... The only thing that kept us sane was knowing our flood insurance would cover anything major/structural (including our furnace/HVAC, electrical, etc...)

But, when we started to clean up today, it occurred to us that essentially everything we had invested in our cute, humble little home, since moving in, was gone. All of our major appliances, most of our clothes, everything on the first floor was destroyed.. All our furniture, computers/electronics, and the entire kitchen were beyond the point of salvaging (and not covered by the small fortune we pay in flood insurance); water with E.Coli and other hazardous chemicals and germs had completely saturated anything upholstered; everything else, broken or damaged beyond repair.

We are so grateful to my family coming to the rescue with shelter, cleanup efforts, and emotional support. That, and the desire expressed by so many of our friends to help in any way possible, are the two things that are helping us keep our wits and get through this together. It will take some time to rebuild the home we love so much, but because of all the love and support, it will be possible. So Thank-you to all those who insisted I set up this fund. Your generosity and support have me in tears as I write this, because I honestly don't know if/how we would get through this without the kindness of others.

Please note that 100% of the funds raised will be used exclusively for the purpose of rehabilitating our home and replacing the most essential items we've lost.

All our love & gratitude,

Rich & Rick