It was just one year ago that we watched as our neighboring town of Fairdale, IL was struck with the strongest tornado on record since 1950 for both Ogle and DeKalb counties, and the strongest tornado in the National Weather Service Chicago County Warning area since the Plainfield, IL tornado in 1990. With winds up to 200 mph, this F4 tornado took the lives of two Fairdale community members and injured several others. Striking just after 7:00 p.m. on April 9, 2015, and tearing a 30-mile path in a town of about 150 people, seventeen buildings were left destroyed and every home damaged. The damage was astonishing, and while over the next several weeks many volunteers rushed to assist, the restoration still continues today.
Endless heartbreaking stories of families who barely made it to safety, and extensive amounts of family treasures that were lost, it’s hard to image what these families face every day as they piece their lives back together. We recently connected with one Fairdale family through Habitat for Humanity, whose home was lost in this tragic event.
After hearing their story, Silverthorne owners, Jim Work and Keith Almady, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to continue the efforts to rebuild in Fairdale, IL. Many of our construction partners have generously donated time, materials and labor to help one family retrieve some sense of normalcy. We would like to recognize and share our appreciation to the following companies for their generous donations:
- DC Trash
- Hines Lumber
- AJ Electric
- Harold Construction
- Ozinga
- Herrmann Concrete
- Alexander Drywall
If you would like to be part of the Fairdale remembrance festivities and watch as we break ground on the home, join us Saturday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m. at the southwest corner of White St. and Route 72. Learn more on the Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County website.