It was around 4 a.m. Nov. 14. Army veteran Juan Gonzalez and his wife Ana woke up with barely enough time to exit their home of 49 years that had been engulfed in flames.
In reeling in the tragedy, the Donna family has also found hope. The community and the South Texas Builders Alliance are helping them rebuild from their ashes.
But rebuilding is no small feat, so the organization will be hosting a Casino Night fundraising event Dec. 10 to help rebuild the Gonzalez home.
Juan,73, served his country for 35 years and currently works as a security guard with the Donna Independent School District. Ana, 66, currently works as a home health provider.
“This was the home they moved into when they got married. It was the home they raised us four children in. It was where I grew up,” said Gonzalez’s daughter Sandra Gonzalez. “In one single moment, the life they built there was gone. They lost everything. All that remains of that home are our memories.”
With their entire lives invested in this home, and no insurance, this has been a devastating time for the Gonzalez family, who are working tirelessly to help their parents come to terms with the loss and starting all over again.
“It’s never easy restarting from the bottom up,” said Sandra. “We didn’t know how we were going to get through this, but our community has been with us every step of the way. We are so grateful for all of the help we, my parents, have received.”
Rebuilding Together
The STBA, a non-profit organization made up of Rio Grande Valley builders and construction professionals, who have dedicated their time, skills and money in helping the Gonzalez family rebuild.
“At the STBA, we don’t just build together, we also rebuild together,” said Ronnie Cavazos, STBA chairman and owner of Structure, a residential and commercial construction company. “He served our country, he served us; now it’s time for us to serve him.”
Money from the fundraising effort will help Juan and Ana get into a new home by next year, and the Gonzalez family couldn’t be more grateful.
“There are no words for the love, support and kindness that has been shown to our mom and dad,” said Sandra. “This is our holiday miracle, and if we can repay everyone who has helped us, we will. Thank you.”