Quincy community comes together to raise money for storm damage relief

QUINCY, Mass. — Cleanup continues in Quincy from the first nor'easter back on March 2.

Many people there had to be rescued from rising water; flooding they'd never seen anything like.

The cleanup costs are starting to add up and now, local businesses are coming together to help people who lost everything.

Mike Cotter and his wife Cynthia grew up in Quincy and say this is the first time seawater has ever gotten into their home.

"In 30 years in this home, it's the first time we've had seawater in our home in the first floor. About 8 to 10 inches through the whole house," said Cotter.

The Cotters son and daughter-in-law had to be rescued by Quincy Police and Fire during the storm as high tides kept going higher and higher.

Down the street from the Cotters, Cynthia's mother had feet of water come in. Because the water rarely damages the actual homes, Cindy's other did not have flood insurance. Now, she's dealing with about $100,000 worth of damage.

"This is the heartbreaking part for us. The damage here because this is an end of an era for the family homestead," said Cotter.

Alba Restaurant in Quincy Center and Mayor Tom Koch are teaming up for a fundraiser on Tuesday, one week after having to cancel it because of the third nor'easter this month.

"We found out a lot of people got hit had no insurance, anything else to help them with. So we decided to do a fundraiser for them, we donated our place on Tuesday, March 20.

The Cotters, who have flood insurance, are planning to go and make their own donation to help the community they love.

"Our hearts are here," said Cindy.

"99.9 percent of the time it's the best place in the world to live for us," said Cotter.

Cox Media Group