Dexter Families Celebrate Triumph Over Tornado During Anniversary Events

The Dexter community's defiant spirit shone through overcast skies on Friday as hundreds of families came out to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Dexter tornado at Lafontaine Chevrolet.

More than 300 people attended an open house titled "One Year Strong" at the auto dealership that included food, games, and a chance for families to share stories with neighbors.

Residents Richard and Melissa Barnabo attended the event with their children Elle and Tyler, to celebrate moving into a new house in the Orchard River Hills subdivision.

"It doesn't seem like it's been a year since the tornado," Melissa Barnabo said. "To see everyone celebrating together is a blessing. The love of this community has brought everyone so much closer. It's one big family."

The tornado destroyed 13 homes and four businesses in Dexter Village and Dexter Township, damaged 255 structures, and caused $9.14 million in losses, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Emergency Operations Center.

Elizabeth Onesti, whose house had significant wind damage after the storm, said she is happy to finally begin a new chapter of her life.

"I think this celebration is such a beautiful example of a community coming together after being affected by something so big," she said.

The open house was organized by Faith in Action and Lafontaine Chevrolet. Last year the two organizations partnered together with local businesses and nonprofits to launch the Dexter Relief Fund to help alleviate the financial burden for families impacted by the storm.

"Our mission turned from 'how can we help after this tragedy?', to 'how can we help all of the people effected to not only heal but come out on the other end of this tragic event somehow better?'" Matt Lafontaine said.

The relief fund was able to raise more than $300,00 in donations during an eight-month period.

"The most rewarding thing for me was not just the money we raised but the lessons the tornado taught all of us," Lafontaine said. "This kind of thing can happen to anyone ... and what would I do if it happened to me or my community?

"It brought us together, and it showed everyone what lending a hand meant. We had donations from as far away as Japan, to local young school children emptying out their piggy banks, it truly was a blessing that no one was physically hurt, and just as important it taught us all a lesson of 'helping thy neighbor,'" Lafontaine added.

During Friday's open house, families in need of glass clean-up or tree replanting services were allowed to sign up for assistance through Faith in Action. Trees will be purchased with the remaining money in the Dexter Relief Fund. As of Friday afternoon, more than 50 families applied for tree assistance.