BOOKED SOLID: Community comes together for dinner to support Griebel family



GERMANTOWN (WITI) -- There has been an outpouring of support from the community for five children left without both of their parents after a violent crash in the Village of Richfield. The children attend school in the Germantown School District -- and their parents attended Germantown High School. On Sunday, May 4th, Old Town Inn in Germantown donated 15% of its proceeds to the children.

Josh and Monica Griebel



37-year-old Josh and 38-year-old Monica Griebel were killed early Friday morning, April 25th in a crash on Highway 164.

Investigators say the Griebels were in a car that crossed the center line, entered a ditch, hit a culvert, went airborne, and slammed into a utility pole.

Josh and Monica were pronounced dead at the scene.

The couple leaves behind five children — ranging in age from 16 months to 13 years.

A "GoFundMe.com" account has been set up to benefit the children -- and it has raised over $29,000 since it was established.

But that's not the only way the community is rallying around these children.

Liz Morawski never met Josh and Monica Griebel -- but she was at the Old Town Inn on Sunday because 15% of the restaurant's proceeds will support the Griebel children.

"That's kind of being part of a community. When I moved to Germantown I was impressed, coming from a big city to Germantown -- just the community -- everyone supports each other," Morawski said.

"It hits very close to us because we are a tight-knit community, tight-knit neighbors. There`s only a few businesses here on Main Street -- so our immediate reaction is to be able to come out and help support them so we can help them in any way possible," Old Town Inn General Manager Josh Neureuther said.

The Griebel family owns an upholstery shop just a block down from the Old Town Inn. The business remains closed. A small sign on the door indicates it's due to a family emergency.

"We've used them in the past. A great family on Main Street here -- another business, and we want community support for the family," Neureuther said.

Neureuther tells FOX6 News the Old Town Inn is booked solid for dinner Sunday.

Many of the guests planning on contributing to the fundraiser never met Josh and Monica Griebel -- but that's not stopping them from helping a family in need.

"It's nice to know that if anything were to happen to me, God forbid, the support would be there for us too. It's a great community," Morawski said.

Even though the Old Town Inn is booked solid for Sunday, people are encouraged to stop by the bar, or just drop off a donation at the restaurant.

Sudz Car Wash locations in Menomonee Falls, Franklin and Cudahy are matching every dollar customers donate to benefit the Griebel family -- up to $17,000 -- for the purchase of a 12-passenger van. The larger van will assist Josh Griebel's sister and brother-in-law in caring for the Griebel's five surviving children, as well as the couple's own two children.

Additionally, a fund called "The Griebel Fabulous Five" has been set up at any Tri City National Bank branch to benefit the children.

An additional fundraiser is planned to benefit the Griebel children. This one, in Hubertus on May 31st.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the May 31st fundraiser to benefit the Griebel children at the Sterling Chalet in Hubertus.

CLICK HERE to make a donation to the Griebel family via their "GoFundMe.com" account.