ENDERLIN, N.D. — Many residents are still cleaning up after one of the most powerful tornadoes in North Dakota history tore through Enderlin this summer.
While holiday decorations go up for some, others are rebuilding homes and lives. Dr. Maggie Peters of the Enderlin Area Tornado Relief Fund said the physical and mental recovery is far from over.
“People just don’t realize the length of time it takes to rebuild things,” Peters said.
The fund has served as the main financial resource for families affected by the June 20 tornado that killed three people and produced winds exceeding 265 mph. It has distributed more than $150,000 to 22 applicants. Most of the remaining funds were handed out just last week.
“People don’t realize what it costs to rebuild or they thought their insurance had something, but then they realize it wasn’t what they thought it said it was,” Peters said.
The fund is set to receive additional support from the upcoming Christmas Gift Style Show in Fargo, which has provided audiences with the latest in fashion for the past 35 years. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Christmas Gift project.
Natalie Sparrow, organizer of the show, said this year’s theme, “Straight from the heart,” inspired them to help a community in need. “We felt it was just a touching message that would connect to a community,” Sparrow said.
Peters said the donation will likely allow the fund to begin a third round of applications, which is important in a small-town culture where residents often wait to ensure others receive help first.
“In North Dakota there’s also this thing that somebody might need this more than I will, so I am going to wait and make sure the people who really need it get it first,” Peters said.
The fund has also supported residents with mental health services alongside rebuilding efforts.
The Christmas Gift Style Show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, in the Great Hall at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, when the amount of the donation will be announced. In past years, contributions have been worth several thousand dollars.
Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.