FILO Answers Their Most Important Call

Everyone has heard about it by now. The devastating east coast storm known as Superstorm Sandy swept through coastal New York and New Jersey during the final days of October, 2012. It was a horrific event that left hundreds of thousands of people without power and caused more than an estimated $20 billion in damages. The catastrophe was one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

On Friday afternoon, November 2, FILO’s phone rang and Kevin Weinhandl, President of FILO Productions, received a call from a current client about an idea to help out the struggling people on the east coast. Before Kevin hung up the phone, FILO Directors Andy Acosta and Carrie Hagen began preparing for an experience they never expected to be a part of.  Kevin told Carrie and Andy to pack their bags, as they were headed out east later that day, for an unknown period of time to transport generators and other supplies to assist in the disaster.   
             
Within hours, Andy and Carrie had their bags packed and were driving the FILO truck and trailer out east. They didn’t know how long they would be there and what exactly they were going to do, but they, as well as Kevin, knew they had the responsibility to answer that clients call and were prepared to help out in any way they could.
             
Ten days later, Andy Acosta made his way back to Minnesota but not before spending countless hours, energy and assistance in the recovery process of the storm out east. In addition to the equipment and generators Andy and Carrie brought with them, they coordinated with FILO’s local transportation partner over the seven-plus days in New York, figuring out where and how they could use a generator on the clients 53’ semi-truck and trailer that had been standing idle at FILO’s warehouse in St. Paul, MN. Every day Carrie and Andy woke up, they had no idea where the day would take them, but were proud of the fact they were able to help, in some form or another.
             
FILO’s spontaneity and ability to handle any situation allowed for a quick, swift response. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people on the east coast, and the team at FILO, as well as Kevin, Andy and Carrie feel honored they could lend a hand, however so small, in the tragedy that affected millions of people.