Tornado victims, advocates turn to fundraisers for help

George Hunter, The Detroit News on Mar 8, 2026

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In the aftermath of powerful storms that killed four people and damaged property in southwest Michigan on Friday, victims and their advocates are asking for help.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties following the storms that ravaged the region Friday afternoon. At least three tornadoes were confirmed, and Whitmer’s office has called for a federal investigation into why no tornado watch was issued before the storms touched down.

Authorities and funeral home officials have confirmed the identities of three of the victims killed by the storm, while a fourth name hasn't been released.

Penni Jo Guthrie, 65, of Union City, Keri Ann Johnson, 54, of Union City, and Silas Anderson, 12, of the Edwardsburg area of Cass County, died from injuries from the storm.

As residents pick up the pieces, requests for help have been posted to GoFundMe.com. Officials from the crowdfunding website confirmed the authenticity of the pages:

•Help Frank Rebuild After Tornado Devastation: "My father was renting a storage unit in Three Rivers that contained his entire house/life of Ridgefield, CT memories, family heirlooms, furniture, clothing, tools, and priceless items that were taken from him by Mother Nature," wrote Matthew Gugel, who started the fundraiser. "His face when he came to what was left of his unit today, along with many others, was nothing but indescribable loss."

•Help JD, Amber, and sons secure new housing after tornado: "JD Henderson and Amber Larkin, along with their four boys (under 8 years old) and their 2 cats, moved in with Amber’s senior citizen Nana to help her with daily care this past summer," wrote organizers Samantha Zimmerman and Amber Larkin of the Three Rivers family. "The tornado has taken part of their shared home and rendered the rest uninhabitable."

•Donations for Scott & Keri johnson Union City, Michigan: "A close family friend of mine lost his wife and home and all his personal belongings in this devastating tornado," organizer Michael Wiers said. "At this time I’m asking all my friends to please pitch in what ever you can as he truly needs this help."

•Help Tiffany & Dennis Rebuild After Tornado: "Just recently, they spent all their savings to buy a home for their family, hoping to build a safe and happy future for their two kids," fundraiser organizer Denise Montoya wrote. "Today, a tornado swept through and took everything from them — their home, their sense of security, and the dreams they worked so hard for."

•Rebuilding After the Tornado in Three Rivers: "My mother in law’s was hit by the devastating tornado in Three Rivers Michigan on 3/6/2025," wrote Bonny Laws, who organized the fundraiser. "She unfortunately does not have house insurance as she lives on only social security and a part time job."

•Help Heather's Family Recover from Tornado: "On Friday, March 6th, one of the biggest tornadoes Three Rivers has ever seen tore through town and destroyed my home where I live with my husband and son," Heather Moore wrote. "All of our belongings are destroyed or missing, and we are currently staying in a hotel in Sturgis. The tornado has left us without the comfort and security of our home, and we are facing the challenge of rebuilding our lives from scratch."