GREECE, N.Y. — An unimaginable loss suffered by a Rochester gym owner turned into an inspiring show of support. Chad Wright lost 11 family members in Hurricane Helene. His colleagues, students and their families have stepped up in a major way.

Good cheer comes easy at Cheer Athletics Rochester, where young athletes lined up recently for a big day. Sabree Gamel was there to greet them.

“So first I want to thank you all for being here today,” said Gamel, who co-owns the gym with Wright, as she greeted young cheer participants for a clinic. “We’ve got a fun-filled day with you.”

Cheer Athletics is a nationwide chain that opened a Rochester location three years ago.

“We just wanted to bring something better to the community that was positive and empowering to our kids,” said General Manager Amy Wertheim.

Co-owner Chad Wright lives in Texas, but visits here often. He wasn’t here for this day, after what happened to his family in late September. 

“The loss is just unimaginable,” said Gamel.

Eleven members of Wright’s family died when mudslides spurred by Hurricane Helene buried their hometown in North Carolina. His parents were among those lost. 

“There are not words for what he is going through,” said Gamel.  “The minute we got the phone call about the situation and what he’s going through, I broke for him.”

Gamel and others decided to hold a fundraiser, and 100% of the thousands of dollars raised at Clinic for a Cause will help with funerals and other expenses.

“You just want to do whatever you can to help,” said Wertheim. “And what can you do when there’s devastation and loss like that?”

“To go through something so personal, it really hit home for all of us,” added Gamel.

Giving back is the good cheer for the group in a time of great loss.

“They know Chad personally, and he has had an impact,” Gamel said. “This just speaks to the love in the community that Chad does have here.”