After the Levee Breaks: Equestrian Family Unites to Help One of Their Own Devastated by Flood- Judge Chele McGauly
By: Brittany Bevis
Just two weeks ago, the Southeast U.S. was pelted by intense rain that caused heavy flooding in Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi. Among the hardest hit areas was Louisiana where historic flooding prompted Gov. John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency in 16 parishes in the northern part of the state.
With an astonishing 22 inches of rain that fell in less than 23 hours, (according to some residents) the main concern focused on floodwaters levels that could breech state levees. On the afternoon of March 11th, AQHA, NSBA, NRHA, and NRCHA judge Chele McGauly experienced the devastation firsthand when rising floodwaters overtook a levee by her property in Elm Grove, Louisiana.
Quick action was needed by friends and family to relocate nearly 300 head of cattle and horses before the barn, pastures, and Chele’s home were overcome by floodwaters. With all 25 acres soon underwater, volunteers waded and even swam through up to 12 feet of water to care for the animals and filled over 1,000 sandbags to patches holes in the levee. Thankfully, all of the animals, including Chele’s three dogs were saved. Sadly, Chele’s home, barn, and property took a hard hit.
Her many friends in the equine industry sprung into action to help, including fellow professional Chris Thompson who created a Go Fund Me account for donations. “I’m hoping that we can all donate- even just a little bit- to help her out in her greatest time of need. It will be a long road to recovery for Chele, to get her life back in order. But with all the kind and caring people we have in our world, hopefully we can make her path a little easier!”
Over the past eleven days, a whopping $24,965 has been raised by 138 people, but there is need for that total to rise even higher. With the funds raised thus far, Chele was able to pay for flood damage equipment, a dumpster, and a porta-potty. The hope now is to bring in large fans to dry out some of the damage within the barn.
Many are helping in other ways. Jane Pruitt Bagley is standing Chele’s stallion, Peptorey, at her facility for a stud fee of $600. Multiple mare discounts and shipped semen are available, and ALL proceeds will go to flood relief.
Other items needed include horse tack, feed, and hay. Also, because Chele is a multi-breed judge, she will need professional attire such as dress pants and jeans, boots, hats, and a briefcase for upcoming events.
Fellow judge Andrea Simons will be traveling to Louisiana next Tuesday to assist with recovery efforts and to bring a care package from friends in the Aubrey/Pilot Point area. “When I looked at the pictures she sent, I started to cry. We need to do anything we can to help.”
If you would like to donate to Chele McGauly’s Go Fund Me account click here.
