There has been an outpouring of support in many ways following the Tuesday, June 15 fire that completely destroyed the Dobson Pipe Organ Builders’ facility in Lake City. The story has echoed around the globe, being picked up by media giants on both coasts and in countries that have been fortunate enough to become a home for one of the company’s world-class instruments. Colleagues within the industry are also doing what they can to help Dobson and their employees get back on their feet. The general manager of a national pipe organ restoration and repair company, Michael Sutcliffe with Foley-Baker, Inc. of Tolland, Conn., has launched a very specific GoFundMe campaign for the Dobson employees.
Sutcliffe says that many organ builders use their own personal tools that won’t necessarily be covered under the company’s insurance policy. This is why the GoFundMe was focused on those replacements. The goal was to reach $10,000, but that was surpassed well before the first 24 hours. Sutcliffe says he was shocked at the rapid response.
He adds this is a shining example of how uniquely important this art is to so many.
Sutcliffe has not yet been made aware whether Dobson lost all of their original drawings or backup files, but the artistry that goes into those is incredible. To lose drawings like that, he says, would be a tragedy. Those interested in making a donation can do so through the link included below.
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Dobson GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-replace-dobson-employees-tools?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
