Barrington Dealership Helping Create a Happy Ending for Family Affected by a Fire

Miguel and Mercy Sanchez lost everything when the Barrington home they rented caught fire in March 2012.

But out of that tragedy came a happy ending, thanks to the support of his work family at Marquardt of Barrington and the kindness of customers and residents.

“So often, you hear about tragedies but you never hear the happy outcome. This is a happy outcome,” said Dan Marquardt, co-owner of Marquardt of Barrington.

He and his brother, Kurt and their families are organizing the Miguel and Mercy Sanchez Donation Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28 at the dealership, 1421 S. Barrington Road, Barrington.

“What was a real difficult situation became a blessing. It’s really neat to see it come to fruition,” Dan Marquardt said. 

A devastating fire

Sanchez was working at the dealership on March 28, 2012 when a fire started in the garage then spread to the front, consuming the house. He and his family rented the home from a Barrington church. Their renter’s insurance had lapsed so they lost everything, he said.

“All we had was our clothing,” Sanchez said. The family lost furniture, bedding and other household items.

The Marquardt family and employees stepped in and organized a fundraiser for the Sanchez family.

Following the fire, many people offered to donate furniture and household items that the family needed. But, they did not have a home to put the items, until now, Dan Marquardt said.

The Sanchez family _ including three sons _ moved into their new home in July, a home they own.

Sanchez and his family were able to pull together, with the help from the donations, enough to buy a home in McHenry.

“It’s our first house we’ve owned,” Sanchez said.

“It’s a dream we’ve had for many years. For some reason, it happened after this disaster. The dream came true.”

Everyone at the dealership and the community came together to help them with donations and moral support, he said.

“I feel so humbled for (Dan, Kurt and their families) to do that for us,” Sanchez said. “I thank God for that.”

The last year has been full of loss mixed with blessings and lessons. Sanchez learned to be “patient and to be faithful and work hard,” he said.

“I couldn’t get desperate,” Sanchez said. “I just had to work harder and start from scratch. I understand people now, when they go through loss.”

Sanchez has been with the dealership, in sales, for 13 years.

“Miguel is an immediately likeable person,” Dan Marquardt said. “He is very much adored by his customers. Many people say he’s the nicest person they’ve met. He’s an extremely humble, kind and caring person. It’s very genuine.”

Anyone with items they no longer need may make a donation at the dealership. Cash donations or gift cards will also be appreciated. The Marquardts will be cooking food for customers and anyone who donates.

Any duplicates or items the Sanchez family cannot use will be donated to Home of the Sparrow, a ministry serving homeless women and children. All donations will go to a good cause, Dan Marquardt said.