As real estate professionals, we’re in the business of finding homes for people. But this January and February, the team at Dresch & Restrick Realtors embarked on a slightly different mission – extending our ethos of ‘home’ to those who’ve served our country. We’re excited to share our heartwarming journey with the Fisher House Foundation, from cooking up comfort in Ann Arbor to celebrating a construction milestone in Detroit.
January 2024: Crafting Meals with Love in Ann Arbor
The chill of January was no match for the warmth radiating from the kitchen of Fisher House Ann Arbor. Our team, armed with pots, pans, and an arsenal of ingredients, set out to do more than just cook; we aimed to infuse every dish with love and gratitude for the families of veterans receiving medical treatment.
The Fisher House Ann Arbor serves as a haven, offering families a place to stay free of charge, close to their loved ones. It’s a concept that resonates deeply with us, as we understand the importance of having a comforting place to call home, even if temporarily. The day was filled with chopping, stirring, and an occasional dance move, culminating in a feast designed to bring smiles and a sense of normalcy to those going through challenging times.
The experience was a profound reminder of the impact a simple meal can have. It wasn’t just about feeding hungry stomachs; it was about nourishing souls with kindness and compassion.
February 2024: Topping Off Ceremony in Detroit
Fast forward to February, our team donned hard hats and traded kitchen utensils for ceremonial shovels as we attended the topping-off ceremony for the new Fisher House Detroit. This event marked a significant construction milestone, celebrating the placement of the last beam atop the structure – a tradition that signifies both progress and hope.
Fisher House Detroit is set to be a beacon of support for veterans’ families, and being part of this ceremony was an honor. The energy was electric, with everyone from construction workers to community leaders coming together to witness this moment of unity and achievement.
As we signed our names on the beam, it felt like we were leaving a small piece of our hearts with the house – a token of our support and commitment to the Fisher House mission. This ceremony was a vivid reminder of the power of community and the tangible impact of every contribution, big or small.
Participating in these events with the Fisher House Foundation has been an enlightening and enriching experience for our team. It’s provided us with a unique opportunity to serve those who’ve sacrificed so much for our country, reinforcing the idea that home extends beyond walls and into the hearts of communities.
As we move forward, we’re inspired to continue our support for Fisher House, eagerly anticipating the completion of the Detroit house and looking for more ways to contribute to this noble cause. We encourage you to explore how they can make a difference, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word.
Fisher House Ann Arbor Meal Train
To our clients, colleagues, and community members: we invite you to join us in supporting the Fisher House Foundation. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of military families, offering them the comfort and support they so richly deserve.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of service and celebration. Here’s to many more opportunities to give back, grow, and connect with our heroes and their families.
Families in the Fisher House Michigan
As we reflect on our involvement with Fisher House, the stories of those who’ve walked its halls linger in our minds, painting a vivid picture of the sanctuary it provides to veterans and their families. It’s not just the physical structure that offers solace but the community within its walls that turns a stay into a home away from home. The following accounts from the families’ journals left at Fisher House Ann Arbor, along with the journey of a veteran named Garry and his family, offer a glimpse into the profound impact of this incredible charity.
Treasures from guests and families
The stories left in the pages of Fisher House journals speak volumes about the comfort and compassion found within its embrace. One family shared, “My husband, Bruce, and I came to the VA hospital by ambulance... I had no car and nowhere to stay. Then came along Fisher House. I was taken care of, including transportation to and from the hospital.” This sentiment echoes throughout the entries, with others describing Fisher House as “definitely a Home Away from Home,” filled with “compassion, love, and respect.”
The tangible benefits—like the ability to cook, the availability of food, and the amenities for doing laundry—are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s the intangible warmth, the shared meals that feel like “going home to friends after a day at the hospital,” and the quiet comfort of a beautifully maintained sanctuary that truly resonate. “I was blown away by the cleanliness of the house and the rich furniture, artwork, and the immense amount of food. I felt like we were treated like a king and queen,” recounts another grateful stay.
The Wilhelm Family’s Journey
Amidst these touching accounts, the story of Garry, a Vietnam Veteran, and his family, exemplifies the spirit of community and resilience that Fisher House embodies. Garry’s health challenges brought him and his family to VA Ann Arbor, where Fisher House became a beacon of hope. Garry’s wife, Marie, their daughter, Dawn, and son, David, found not just a place to stay, but a community that supported them through the ups and downs of Garry’s treatment.
Marie and Dawn, often found in the Fisher House kitchen, didn’t just prepare meals; they built connections, turning the kitchen into a place of warmth and shared stories. On good days, these shared activities brought joy and a sense of normalcy. On tougher days, the small acts of kindness, like a packed lunch for a day at the hospital or a shared puzzle, became lifelines. Their story is a testament to the fact that caregiving, while a full-time job, can be lightened by the shared experiences and the bonds formed within the walls of Fisher House.
These stories, both written and lived, highlight the essence of Fisher House — a haven of hope, support, and community for our veterans and their families. They remind us that our contributions, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, can make a profound difference in the lives of those who’ve sacrificed so much for our country.