DONATE: Fundraiser planned for five children who lost parents in violent crash

HUBERTUS (WITI) -- Last week, five children lost both of their parents in a violent crash in the Village of Richfield. It happened early Friday morning, April 25th on Highway 164. Now, the community is stepping up in a big way to help the young children who have been orphaned.

A memorial sits at the base of a utility pole on Highway 164 in the Village of Richfield.

"I've only driven past it once since then. It just kind of makes you shake your head when you go in that area," Heidi McKenna said.

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m.

Investigators say 37-year-old Joshua and 38-year-old Monica Griebel 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.

"As a parent myself of three young kids, I just can't fathom what that family must be going through," McKenna said.

McKenna is the owner of the Sterling Chalet in Hubertus. She says after last week's violent and fatal crash, she's now planning a fundraiser to benefit the Griebel children -- something she expects will be one of the biggest events the Sterling Chalet has ever hosted.

It is planned for May 31st, and money raised will benefit the four little girls and one little boy who lost both of their parents.

"It's going to be a big day, and it's going to be a lot of fun. I'm certain it's going to be a good fundraiser for them. We're going to have food, games for the kids, a bouncy house, music and a very large silent auction," McKenna said.

McKenna has known the Griebel family for more than 20 years. She went to Germantown High School with the couple.

"We weren't all that close, more like acquaintances than anything else -- but it doesn't matter. We had a very small class so we still feel connected to almost everybody in it. It could have been any one of us and that's when it really starts to hit home. It could have been any one of us," McKenna said.

Funeral services are planned for Thursday, May 1st for Josh and Monica Griebel.

A "GoFundMe.com" account has been opened to benefit the Griebel children.

So far, over $11,000 has been raised.

DONATE to the Griebel children by CLICKING HERE.

To learn more about the May 31st fundraiser at the Sterling Chalet, CLICK HERE.