From Tragedy to Triumph

Craig Vermeulen from William Ryan Homes unveiled the house repairs done to the Cigelske home.

The Cigelske family was devastated on July 23rd when they came home to a foot of water in their house. Eleven inches of rain fell in a matter of two hours.

"Our entire first floor was wrecked," Tim Cigelske, flood victim said.

The Cigelske's don't have a basement – one of two houses on their block that don't.

"So we thought we might be safe when this flood hit," he added.

Instead water gushed through the front door wiping out their entire living space, including 4 month old Clara's nursery. Tim, Jess & Clara had to move out immediately.

"It was the hardest going into her nursery and realizing it was totally wrecked and we spent months fixing it making it perfect  you go inside and can't be there anymore," Tim said.

The Cigelske's thought they'd be fine until they learned insurance won't cover the damage.

"Getting the phone call back from the insurance company saying we were denied, I think was my first breakdown," Jess Cigelske, flood victim, said.

Tim, an avid tweeter, posted the devastating news on social networking site "Twitter." Much to his surprise, help from strangers followed.

“I thought you know what, I can help!” Katie Klein-Murphy, helping flood victims, expressed.

Katie Klein-Murphy had never met The Cigelske's, but with the help of fellow tweeter, Sue Spaight, she organized a fundraiser for the humble family of three and other flood victims. She says within 12 hours it turned into a big event. Sprecher Brewery is donating the space, COA Restaurant is donating food and William Ryan Homes and Renewal by Anderson helping to repair the Cigelske’s house.

Craig Vermeulen from William Ryan Homes (@williamryanRE on Twitter) was able to donate all of the labor, and purchase supplies at contractor prices, in an effort to rebuild the Cigelske’s home. Craig and his team of contractors worked on this project for several weeks, rehabilitating the destroyed home to its original glory. When I asked Craig why he worked so hard to help the Cigelske's his answer spoke to his remarkable character. "I helped because I could...it was the right thing to do.  If my family was in a similar position, I know someone would do the same for us."

Craig and his team at William Ryan Homes, finished the rehabilitation and were able to turn the keys over to a family that hasn’t been home in months. The big reveal was viewed at the benefit live, via video from Dan Wilde (@dwilde on Twitter), to the surprise of all in attendance. With the generosity of the community through various ways of donating, all of the costs of the rehab were covered. Additional funds collected will go to help neighboring families that also suffered loss due to the flood.  Finally the event spoke to the power of community.  Milwaukee has built an exceptional support system through social media, specifically Twitter.  These  relationships move way past the digital arena; they come to life, flourish, and take on their true colors when people connect face to face and are willing to help someone in need.

If you would like to learn more or donate you can go online to saveteecycle.org.