"Give back to the Ganoe's"

My name is Karen Zeiner.  I live in Torrington, CT and have known Jeff and Cheryl for 30+ years. Together with friends and family, our hearts go out to them and We want to help. 
Because of the devastating fires,Jeff and Cheryl had to flee from their Tennessee apartment.  The winds picked up so quickly that they did not even know they were surrounded by flames. They had to act quickly and did not have time to gather their belongings.  When a good man went back to check, the house they were renting was gone.  They work and live in Tennessee 9 months out of the year. Many of their most used and sentimental possessions were kept in their apartment. A life time of tools, all of Jeff’s winter work clothes and boots, the kitchen appliances that travel with them, and many other items were taken by this disaster. In the process of getting out of their driveway, leaves caught fire to the neighbor’s house and Jeff and a coworker risked their own lives to try to save it – Jeff just having knee surgery two weeks prior. Even in a moment that most would call terror, their desire to serve still shone through.
Those that know and love Jeff and Cheryl know of their pure love and service toward others. Here is a way that we can show our support for them. This fund can never replace the memories or sentimental possessions that were lost in the Gatlinburg fire, but it can help provide peace of mind while reassembling themselves. Jeff is still employed and they keep saying that they can handle their expenses on their own. That being said, we know that there are many people that would genuinely like to help relieve some of the burden that this fire has caused. Any donation would be a wonderful tribute to this magnificent couple who are celebrating 40 years of marriage today and who have both lived lifetimes of service.
 For the last year, they have had a cross country trip planned for their 40th anniversary. They are getting a late start on their trip, but we hope that as they travel together – pondering, crying, talking, and laughing we hope their hearts will begin to mend and they will have a blast creating new memories which no disaster can ever take away.

We know how much eveyone wants to help show their love and support.   Let's make their 40th anniversary one they will never forget.  They have blessed all of our lives so much.   This is a time we can give back and bless theirs!