Benefit Planned for House Fire Victims

Miguel Sanchez and his family lost nearly everything they owned in a Sanchez’s employer, , is holding a benefit for his family to help them get back on their feet.

The fire broke out in a home that Sanchez was renting on Church Street in unincorporated Lake County. He lived in the residence with his wife and three sons. Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze that caused $300,000 worth of damages, but the Sanchez family lost most of their possessions.

“They had let their renter’s insurance lapse because the economy is tough,” Dave Loucks of Marquardt of Barrington said. “They had no insurance when the house burned down.”

No insurance means the Sanchez family doesn’t have the money to replace all of the furniture, clothing and other possessions they lost. As a valued and loved employee of Marquardt for the past 12 years, his company knew they needed to do something to help.

“Miguel is a deeply religious person. He’s very upbeat. He sees this as just another day. I‘m sure he’s deeply affected with the loss but he’s very upbeat about it….he’s one of the sweetest, kindest people in my life,” Loucks said.

The benefit for the Sanchez family will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the

“We’re just going to barbeque and have a station where people can drop off donations,” Loucks said. “Clothes, furniture, anything. If it’s something they can’t use, we’ll donate it”

Loucks said they are mostly looking for cash donations and gift cards they can use to buy the things they need. Checks can be made out to Marquardt Buick Inc. for the benefit of Miguel Sanchez.

If you are unable to make it to the benefit but would still like to donate, you can drop off your donation to the dealership at any time.