Group hoping to raise $50,000 to help flooding victims in western Kenosha County

A group in western Kenosha County is hoping to raise about $50,000 to help the flooding victims. There was a benefit at the Bella Vita Banquets in New Munster on Sunday.  

Owner Brian Boeckenstedt decided to have a raffle, live auction and games to bring the community together. Items that were used for the raffle were donated including guns that were donated by the Kenosha County Tavern League.

All of the money raised will be going towards a fund with the Sharing Center.

“To go around and see all the damage for me was devastating. I had to help and this is the way I could help,” said Boeckenstedt.

Dozens came out to show their support, even those who are still working to get back on their feet.

Paul De Luisa is working to reopen her business, Luisa’s Pizza in Wheatland.

“Hopefully in the next month we will be back up and running,” said De Luisa.

He spent the day at Bella Vita checking people in to the fundraiser and volunteering at the event. Since the recent flooding, he’s had overwhelming support from the community.

“I have people every day calling me. Can I help? Can I do this, can I do that? It keeps me going,” said De Luisa.

Many families in the western Kenosha County area affected by flooding are in a holding pattern.

“We are waiting for FEMA to make a determination of whether or not we will be receiving funding to help families rebuild and it usually takes one to three months to get that information,” said Sharon Pomaville, executive director of Sharing Center.

If you’d like to help, visit http://www.thesharingcenter.net/