I made this *spotfund on behalf of my parents, Bonnie and Walter (Brad) Licklider. After calling Columbia, Missouri their home for over 50 years, they recently experienced a life altering event.
If you know my parents, you know how incredibly generous they have always been- giving without expectations to those around them. Over the years, they’ve opened their home to host students, family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in need. They’ve been active volunteers in the Columbia community and beyond. Since retiring from nursing, my father has increased these efforts by participating in multiple mission trips each year including several overseas mission trips. My mother has used her creative gifts over the years to donate needed items to others. In recent years, she has concentrated her efforts on quilting: donating the majority of her quilts to non profits or gifting them to others. Their kindness has touched so many lives, and now, they are the ones in need of help.
In July, while they were both away—my Dad on a mission trip and my mom on a quilting retreat—a historic rainstorm hit Columbia. It caused about 3 inches of water to fill their basement. When they returned home, they discovered the water damage and did their best to address it themselves. They returned to their normal routine- my dad preparing and leaving for an international mission trip, and my mom preparing for another quilting retreat. It wasn’t until recently that we learned the extent of the damage.
Unknown to them, the water damage led to a serious/life threatening mold outbreak. With zero warning, my parents, ages 80 and 77, were told they had to evacuate their home immediately, leaving almost everything behind.
Since receiving this devastating news on 8/30, we have been working to understand the next steps. Initial remediation estimates to address the mold and water damage range between $90,000 and $160,000. This does not include the costs for repairs to the house to prevent future water damage, for replacing their personal belongings or for temporary housing and furnishings during the lengthy remediation and repair process.
The biggest need right now is financial assistance to help cover these initial costs of remediation. My parents live on a fixed income, which makes it extremely difficult to cover these large, unexpected expenses, along with the loss of household furnishings, clothing and other personal items.
If you’re able, please consider donating through this *spotfund. Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping them recover from this devastating event.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
