Dear friends, family, and community, What we are about to share with you is one of the most challenging things we've ever faced involving a recent event that is severely impacting our beloved family-owned business brands Portraits By Matthew, Weddings By Matthew, CLE Weddings & Socialux Photo Booth. On July 25, 2024, the third anniversary of signing the lease at our new commercial studio in beautiful Chagrin Falls, Ohio, we experienced a catastrophic flood. An unexpected rainstorm lasting approximately 45 minutes built up 3+ feet of water outside the studio's entrance trapping Matthew inside. Within 15 minutes, 2+ feet of water completely flooded the entire studio's interior. Thankfully, Matthew eventually escaped after a 911 emergency call and was unharmed. As full-time professionals, we are prepared for unfortunate events and have backup equipment and full-coverage business insurance. Unfortunately, in this case, all cameras, lenses, computers, and equipment were destroyed in the studio. Long, emotionally draining days have followed inventorying the studio's devastation alongside working with insurance, water restoration, and general contractors to get back to doing what we love. We currently estimate over One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in destruction and loss. Without answers from insurance, we have already spent over Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) in out-of-pocket savings to purchase essential equipment to serve our upcoming clients, which are, and will always be, our number one priority. One week after the traumatizing flood, we received a final denial notice from our business insurance. Our Agent informed us that coverage for this type of flooding may only be acquired through the federal government and only for those in flood zones. We have never had signs of flooding at our Chagrin Falls studio in our three years at this location. (See Exciting Update) This tragic news has left us in tears and heartbreak. We have always taken pride in our philanthropy to nonprofits and supporting the local community through the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce. We never thought we would need charitable support from others, but now, we do. In 2024, our family-owned business survived a worldwide pandemic that shut down our business and livelihood. We rebuilt, which led to 2024 being our most successful year ever. This new tragic setback will not stop us. For our upcoming wedding clients, we want to reassure you that we will be there for your special day, fully geared to photograph every moment and ready to provide you with the service you trusted in us. For our corporate & portrait clients, we can't wait to show off our newly remodeled studio and continue to provide you with our known top-rated photography and service. All client data, including photographs and other important files, are securely backed up and safe. We appreciate any help you can give as we work through these challenging times to replace equipment and cover our loss of income. Matthew, the Hoffart Family, and everyone at Portraits By Matthew, Weddings By Matthew, CLE Weddings & Socialux Photo Booth, thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you in the future.
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