Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 12 Posts
- 2025 | 47 Posts
- 2024 | 39 Posts
- 2023 | 35 Posts
- 2022 | 58 Posts
- 2021 | 13 Posts
- 2020 | 25 Posts
- 2019 | 11 Posts
- 2018 | 1 Posts
- 2017 | 42 Posts
- 2016 | 66 Posts
- 2015 | 24 Posts
- 2014 | 64 Posts
- 2013 | 44 Posts
- 2012 | 38 Posts
- 2011 | 79 Posts
- 2010 | 38 Posts
- 2009 | 35 Posts
- 2008 | 1 Posts
3
Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors Contributes to Derecho Relief Efforts
Reported to have been the most costly thunderstorm disaster in U.S. history, the derecho storm that blew through the midwest in mid-August destroyed $60 million worth of infrastructure and property in Cedar Rapids, IA alone. Apart from the financial aspect, the emotional and personal toll was high. The storm caused four deaths and countless injuries. Families throughout the area went without power for weeks, food and water were difficult to come by, and livelihoods were shattered. However, through the chaos of the crisis and the aftermath of the storm, the community has rallied together.
Carla Werning, a Solon, IA resident and Ruhl&Ruhl REALTOR®, was at the hospital for her daughter's surgery when the storm struck. Her family was left unharmed, but she saw the hardships that her neighbors, clients, and friends were facing in the aftermath, stating, "I often think that being a Realtor makes us have a very different perspective and helps us pan out to see the bigger picture. We tend to see things slightly different than most people after riding so many waves both in our business and our client's lives." Werning heard from friends and family that emergency services were struggling to keep up with the increased workload, while at the same time coping with damage and loss at their own homes. She jumped to action and organized donation and volunteer efforts in partnership with Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. Ruhl&Ruhl's owners, agents, and staff donated nearly $2,000 to be used in relief efforts. Mercy Hospital ER Staff, St. Luke's ER Staff, and Cedar Rapids Police Department were among the recipients. Werning and other volunteers partnered with Monikers 86 Social Club to deliver meals to over 200 emergency staff who were working around the clock after the storm hit.
Meals donated and distributed by Ruhl&Ruhl
Ruhl&Ruhl agents Carla Werning and Stuart Geiger outside the Emergency Department where they delivered meals.
Cedar Valley Humane Society was another recipient of a donation from Ruhl&Ruhl agents and staff. The Humane Society lost the main fencing around the shelter in the storm and over 100 trees fell on the property, causing extensive property damage. Due to the damage, and the uptick in homeless and lost animals after the storm, the Humane Society's costs skyrocketed. Agents and staff toured the facilities and were able to see firsthand how their contributions would help.
Marie Schulte, Brooke Harrigan, Stuart Geiger, Chris Terukina, and Carol Bridgewater-Warner present a check from Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, an organization that the Ruhl&Ruhl Cedar Rapids Office has worked closely with in the past, was also a recipient. Ruhl&Ruhl's donation to the organization went to offering tree removal as well as meals, ice, and other essentials to families in need immediately after the storm hit.
Matthew25, a revitalization organization that "empowers people to transform neighborhoods," also received a donation. After the storm, Matthew25 worked to provide debris removal and small housing repairs for families in need. Ruhl&Ruhl's donation helped with the costs of tools and materials. However, as far as the community has come, there's still cleanup and restoration to do in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area. If you are interested in contributing to the on-going community efforts, please reach out directly to the Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Valley Humane Society, Matthew25, or The United Way of East Central Iowa to contribute to the Disaster Recovery Fund. When reflecting on the whole journey, Werning states, "I was grateful for the role I play in the life of my Ruhl family, my client's lives, as well as my community. We really do have so much to be proud of in 2020."
