As most know, The Tuscaloosa Get Up! was started as a way to work with Tuscaloosa Habitat to build a house for a family that lost their home during the April 27th tornado. We were not sure who that family would be, but we are pleased to announce we have met our homeowners… The Nero family from Alberta City.
Here is a run down about them from the Tuscaloosa Habitat webpage:
John and Pam Nero lived in Alberta City and were at home when the tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27th. John had just picked Pam up from working at the Red Cross office, and they were watching the weather reports on tv with their son. Pam heard what she thought was a train, but John knew better. He looked outside to see a massive tornado heading right for them. They ran into the hallway and shut all the doors. John recalls the loud roaring and churning sound and the terrible pressure he felt in his ears. The family was praying and holding onto each other. A door blew open, glass was breaking and the house was shaking violently. Bricks flew through the broken window and one hit John in the hip as he struggled to close the door. Shortly after, the back section of their roof blew off and John was being lifted off the floor. Pam and her son grabbed onto each of John’s legs and held on as tight as they could. Somehow they managed to keep John from being sucked away by the wind. When the storm finally passed, the family emerged to the utter devestation and began looking for their friends and neighbors.
Pam was having abdominal pains which continued for a couple of days. Worried, John insisted that she go to the doctor. Once there, an EKG showed that she was having a heart attack and she was rushed to the hospital. They took her straight into surgery and found four major blockages in her heart. Pam woke up four days later to find that she had suffered a heart attck, a stroke and had just undergone open heart surgery. This was all probably from the stress of her experience. Pam is doing great now. The Neros are currently living in an appartment and are trying to get back on their feet. The family has been approved to have a new home built by Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa.
When we started trying to plan this event we had no idea how much of an outpouring of support we would receive. We would never be able to do any events if it were not for our regular sponsors, The Left Hand Soap Company, The Pink Box Burlesque, Wilhagans, Green Bar, Alcove International and Manna Grocery. We also had a wealth of local sponsors join in just for this great event.
Foreman $1000.00+
Sumersell Center for the Study of the South at the University of Alabama (Normally we don’t like studying but a whole center just for the south, we can really get behind that.)
Good People Brewing (It’s not just a witty name, these guys are in fact “Good People”. We would even say they are some of the best and don’t even get us started on their beer.)
Contractor $500.00+
Smith & Staggs LLP (Mike, Amanda , Clay and everyone else here are on our speed dial. A great firm that can help you in your time of need)
Rollbamaroll.com (one of the hippest, smartest Bama blogs on the internet and that internet, let us tell you that thing is big.)
First Federal Bank (They came to us first with out even wanting attention of sponsoring. First Federal, locally owned, locally awesome!)
YellowHammer Creative (If you want some super awesome design work done these guys are for you… case in point the “Get Up” posters and shirts.)
Park Transfer (Moving a bunch of stuff or storing a bunch of stuff these guys will take good care of you.)
Jim and Nicks Bar-B-Q (If you have not been to a Jim and Nicks, you’re missing out…their Bar-B-Q will bring a tear to a glass eye. Soon to open a downtown Tuscaloosa location!)
Scott England and Heather Mechler (No page for these guys but if you Google “most awesome couple ever” that is what you get and I think it sums them up quite well.)
The Pink Box Burlesque (If you ever meet anyone half as cool as Momma Dixie and the rest of the PBB crew, you let us know… we’ll need to meet them and take notes.)
Builder $250.00+
Brooms Cleaning (big or small Nish and her team can clean it all. )
Alcove International Tavern (The bar you can take your parents to… not to mention non smoking. One of the best beer bars in Tuscaloosa and you know how we feel about beer.)
Egans Bar (The bar where all these bands got their start… this place is like the Mecca of rock and roll in Tuscaloosa)
Jessup, Ingram, Burns and Associates certified public accountants (Once again locally owned and locally awesome. Ask for Garret Allen. He does so much great work for us while also maintaining the quiet, cool accountant thing. The quiet part is easy for most accountants, but it’s the cool part that really bumps him to the next level.)
The Left Hand Soap Company (Their soap can wash away the smell of most of our poor decisions so you know that has to be good, right?)
EL Rey Burrito Lounge (One of the finest restaurants we’ve ever been to. Even though they are based out of Montgomery, they contacted us and wanted to help. If you are ever in the capital city, do yourself a favor and go… trust us!)
Queen City Cycles (From the beach cruisers we prefer to the road bike that weigh 11lbs, they can sell you one or fix the one you already have. Jason and Dan will make two wheels hit the road for you.)
Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy (A great source of support of the arts in general, but also one hell of a great store. We can never go in without coming out with something that is super cool)
Cahaba Wealth Management (When and if we ever make enough wealth management, Joe will be the first to know)
Hales Tavern Preservation Society (Oh Hales we do miss you so… we are sure your gumbo saved our lives about 26.5 times and that does not even mention the great music we saw there)
Wynn and Josh Jones (A big thank you to the Jones, good dudes!)