Community Shows Support for Hainesville Family Who Lost Home to Fire

Lieka Racho and her family sat at a table at Emil's in downtown Grayslake Monday night, surrounded by tables filled with local families, many of whom were there to show their support for the Racho family.

One by one, moms stopped by the family's table to share encouraging words, give hugs or, in one case, to offer a gift.

The display of support, Lieka said, was overwhelming.

"This is just amazing," she said. "There's just no words. For a little moment, I think I forgot what had happened, just feeling the love of this community."

Emil's held a fundraiser for the Eric and Lieka Racho and their children Monday night, donating 10 percent of all proceeds to the family, who lost their Hainesville home to a fire Oct. 25. 

"A Simple Act of Kindness"

Ursula Bowes, one of the owners of Emil's, said it all started with waitress Karen Policht.  She donated all of her Oct. 26 tips to the Racho family.

Policht said her son attends Frederick School with one of the Racho family's children. 

"He came home with a note, and he'd read the note on the bus and looked sad," said Policht  The note talked about the Racho family's loss. "I just sat there and thought if this was my family, what would I do?"

Policht decided to donate her tips to the family, and her husband, who owns a construction company, agreed to match those funds. Policht shared the news on Facebook. She found herself not only receiving her regular tips but also collecting money from random customers who wanted to help. 

By the end of the night, Policht had collected $600 in tips.
 
"I said, 'That's pretty good for a one-girl show.' And then it turned into this," said Policht  "It was just a simple act of kindness. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would happen."

Donations Pouring In 

Friends and family set up a special page on the YouCaring website to collect donations for the family. As of 8 p.m. Monday, people had donated nearly $17,000. 

In addition to the YouCaring website, residents are welcome to donate items to the Racho family. Contact the family at: rachofamilyrebuild@gmail.com, or visit the Racho Family Rebuild Facebook page.

The family is moved by the show of support.

Eric Racho said there's just one word that sums up how his family feels about the kindness being bestowed upon them by the Grayslake community.

"We're speechless," he said. "Every time somebody hands something to us, or even if it's a hug to say they're sorry for our loss, I have to hold my tears back. It's overwhelming, really."

Eric said while his family lost everything, including all of their photos, they can make new memories.

"This is a great way to start."