Last week, the county announced plans to build a home for the Schrauger family.
This week, according to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, they hope to go on a visit of the possible sites with Cliff and Vicki Schrauger.
Patterson said that in the day following the announcement, 82 potential vendors contacted the county with regards to donating goods and services.
He said the website, www.oakgov.com/house, is the place to visit to help, and lots of things are still needed.
‘We’re short on lumber and a few other odds and ends,? Patterson said. ‘It’s moving fast though.?
He told the Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary Club that his goal is to have the family move in to their new home in the next six months.
‘They said, ‘we want to stay in Orion, that’s where our friends are,?? Patterson said.
To get the ball moving on the project, Patterson contacted Lake Orion businessman Carl Cyrowski of Cyrowski Commercial Real Estate.
‘He knew I’m involved in real estate in this area and have been for a number of years,? Cyrowski said.
Almost immediately after starting to look for lots that could be either donated or bought for a reasonable price, Cyrowski found three different options, all located in the Village of Lake Orion or Orion Township.
One lot, located in the Bunny Run area and owned by Larry Mullins, is being offered free, according to Cyrowski, as well as the lot next door being up for sale. The owner of that lot couldn’t donate it, but said he would be willing to sell it and offer a good deal.
Before any decisions on location will be made, the builder must visit the lots to make sure they are build-able, and the family must decide where they feel the most comfortable.
‘We haven’t finalized anything, so we could certainly use more options for the family,? Cyrowski added, noting that if there are others who have a piece of property in the Orion area that they would be willing to donate or sell for a reasonable price, they should contact his office, Cyrowski Commercial Real Estate, at (248)393-0600.
In the meantime, the project will move forward in planning stages as people continue to donate materials, services and help in the registry on the county’s website.
For many people in the community, what the Schraugers have had to face has touched them personally, prompting outpourings of fundraising events and donations.
Patterson, who was introduced to Cliff and Vicki Schrauger at their sons? funeral, was another individual that was touched by the tragedy and felt the urge to do something to help.
He said that their story struck a chord with him, especially after losing his grown son, Lake Orion resident Brooks Patterson, in a snowmobile accident this February.
‘Having lost a son this year, I could identify with what the family was going through,? Patterson said.