Mike’s Cash Your Cause Winner: Christ the Redeemer Parish’s Compassionate Response After a Tragedy
When Mike Staff Productions launched Mike’s Cash Your Cause, we asked the question: “If we gave you $500 to use to help someone else in need, what would you do with the money?”
The stories of kindness and giving that followed were nothing short of inspiring. One submission stood out for its heartfelt sincerity and passion: Gina Black from Lake Orion saw our giveaway and knew immediately where the $500 should go—to Christ the Redeemer Parish in Orion Township, recognizing their extraordinary efforts to help neighbors after a devastating 2024 condo explosion.
A Tragedy Across the Street
On November 19th, the Keatington New Town Association condominium complex, located just across the street from Christ the Redeemer Parish, experienced a tragic gas explosion. Two buildings were leveled, leaving two critically injured and dozens of residents homeless just as the holiday season approached.
Fr. William Promesso, who saw the flames upon arriving for evening Mass, quickly turned his focus to helping the displaced residents and first responders.
“Everyone was shocked,” said Fr. William Promesso. “Everyone living in Keatington New Town felt the explosion, but those whose building took a direct hit, and a lot of those people took advantage of our offerings in the days following.”
Christ the Redeemer Springs Into Action
As the reality of the disaster set in, the parish wasted no time in offering assistance. Fr. Promesso and his team opened their doors, providing a safe, warm space for residents to gather, rest, and find solace amidst the chaos.
“In quick order we had food, blankets, water, we were bringing supplies out to first responders,” said Fr. Promoesso. “We opened our doors for residents to make phone calls, get out of the cold, just a safe place to be.”
What began as an impromptu act of compassion became a lifeline for a community in crisis.
- Local restaurants delivered food to feed the displaced and the first responders.
- Parish staff prepared blankets and pillows for those who had nowhere to stay, even organizing overnight shifts to ensure residents were cared for.
- The American Red Cross and other organizations used the parish facilities to coordinate relief efforts.
Gina’s $500 Nomination
Gina Sambuchi, a follower of Mike Staff Productions, saw our Mike’s Cash Your Cause giveaway and thought immediately of Christ the Redeemer. She lives so close to the affected area that she felt the blast and when she saw the nearby church stepping up to help, that generosity spoke to her.
“They jumped in to help so selflessly after the explosion,” Gina shared. “I wanted them to have the $500 to continue supporting those who lost so much.”
The Impact of the Donation
When Christ the Redeemer learned they were one of our Mike’s Cash Your Cause winners, their gratitude mirrored the compassion they had shown. The $500 will go toward continued relief efforts, helping the parish provide resources, support, and hope to those impacted by the explosion.
“This money will help us keep assisting our neighbors as they rebuild their lives,” said Fr. Promesso. “We’re so thankful for people like Gina who see the importance of this mission.”
How You Can Help
Christ the Redeemer’s response is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. If you’re inspired by Gina’s story, here are ways to help:
- Shelter Assistance: American Red Cross, (800) 733-2767.
- Monetary Donations: Love INC of North Oakland County, (248) 693-4357.
- Food and Clothing Needs: Woodside Bible Church and Village Food Pantry, (248) 481-8069.
Mike Staff is the founder and CEO of Mike Staff Productions, one of the most highly acclaimed wedding services companies in the country, providing award-winning Wedding DJs, Wedding Photographers, and Wedding Videography for over 25 years.
