September 19, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – The power of community and cooperation came together this week at Gary’s Place in West Bend, WI, as neighbors helped neighbors recover financially following devastating flooding August 9, 2025. People on 16th Avenue lost their homes, suffered damage over $100,000, and many are still dealing with the fallout from the flood.
Two families in West Bend, Wi, were inspired to help after learning about the story unfolding on 16th Avenue. Riley and Ashley Hanson teamed with Chris and Jenni Thompson to create the benefit and what occurred in a short 4 weeks turned into magic Wednesday night.
Mike Hilzley from Auto Safety Center kicked off the check presentations with a strong donation.
“The owner of Auto Safety Center, Joe Valind and his wife Jessica are born and raised here in West Bend,” said Hilzley. “We firmly believe through our faith and through our growth that we give back to where we’re planted. West Bend has been very kind to us. We’re very fortunate and blessed to celebrate 60 years this month in West Bend. So, in the second half of August, we donated 50% of all money spent on oil changes from our two stores in West Bend as well as Cedarburg and today I’m very, very pleased on behalf of Joe and Jessica we want to present a check for $5,14364.”
Donations continued as Todd Tennies from Tennies Ace Hardware presented $50 gift cards to all 8 families.
Behind the scenes the people helping support the cause reached new levels. Neighbors gathered at the event bought tickets for a 50/50 raffle. There were also generous donations from local businesses that were raffled off and behind the scenes individuals stepped up.
Sal from Sal’s Pizzeria donated $100 to each person impacted by the flooding along with a $20 gift card.
“I was out of the country when the flooding occurred,” he said. “But I live in Germantown and came home to a lot of water in our house. I remember living paycheck-to-paycheck and I feel for these families. I’m at a point in my life where I can help…”
Families including Bettin, Christiansen, Damschen, Fellenz, Hanrahan, Jarr, Sabo-Gripentrog, and Wendt’s were more than thankful for the kind donation.
The overall generosity also included some quiet donations from parishioners at Calvary Church as they provided assistance in cleanup and appliances and even a place to live for a family displaced from their home.
The McDonald’s family in West Bend, Wi, including Steve Kilian Jr. made a significant outreach, treating flood victims to a hot meal with $100 gift cards.
Thank you, West Bend, WI, for your generosity and kindness.
A grand total on money raised during the benefit will be announced shortly.
