The communities of Churchville and Chili are rallying around the Nerestant Family whom recently experienced an unimaginable tragedy. They went from a young family of five, to a family of ten; two adults and eight children, in an instant. This amazing family recently moved from Minnesota to North Chili to be near extended family. They are raising three young children of their own, along with five children ranging in ages, 10-16, that recently became parentless due to a tragedy. The children’s aunt and uncle, Himler and Rebecca Nerestant, became the legal guardians of these children, and with three children of their own, they are now a family of ten, Suddenly 10.
This has posed many challenges that range from financial needs, to basic needs such as a vehicle, and a home that can accommodate a family of ten. Even food, furniture, and medical needs, pose challenges. Supportive businesses such as Wynne Eye Associates of Pittsford donated their services to provide eye exams and glasses for the children. Pearce Memorial Church donated a missionary home to provide temporary housing, and friends and church members have donated meals and many boxes of food and supplies. Community members have designed logos, posters and webpages and local printing businesses such as RJ Printing and SGM have donated their services to help this family. “This community has rallied around this family in a way like I have never seen before. The outpouring of love has been amazing, but we still need more help,” said Kathryn Garrett, fundraiser organizer. Understandably, so are the emotional challenges of this family, immense. Dealing with relocating, a brand new family dynamic and even grief, are some of the large obstacles that they face.
A benefit concert scheduled for Saturday, October 3 has been organized to help support the family. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Churchville-Chili Middle School Auditorium, 139 Fairbanks Road, Churchville. There will be many top notch musical acts and even one of the children in the family will be performing a dance. There will be other fundraising opportunities at this event, as well. Visit www.suddenly10.com for other information.
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