OT- a small gesture towards hurricane Sandy relief

[robin3mj]

THE JERSEY SHORE <---Click the link.

The link above says it all. Jersey born and raised. Living in Chicago and trying to give back a little. My folks have a beach house in Mantoloking- this is one of the hardest hit areas from the storm, but in terms of impact on peoples' everyday lives it's well down the list, when you look at the percentage of homes damaged which are second homes versus primary residences.

It's the Seaside Parks and Toms Rivers, etc who are going to suffer longer term. Damaged houses, damaged places of business, etc.
(One of the latest I saw today was that the barrier islands which include Seaside and Brick Twp may be 6+ months before gas service can be restored, such was the damage sustained this week.)
Below is a good link to many updates as to what is happening on the ground:
https://www.facebook.com/JerseyShoreHurricaneNews

I don't have much to offer from 700mi away, except maybe a call to action.

So trading on my (minimal) strengths, I created a Shutterfly calendar of my favorite Shore scenes. Asking for a $40 donation via PayPal. That will get you a calendar and some gratitude.
I'm buying the first 100 calendars out of pocket, and mailing them on my dime (eating PayPal fees too), so 100% of your outlay goes to help those in need. After that, $25 of each $40 donation will go to the Red Cross. (Put another way, the first $15 of each donation will cover costs, with the balance going to charity. A $75 donation will generate $60 for the Red Cross.)

Please feel free to forward onto friends, and let me know if I'm outta line.

***Note: I had originally planned to donate the money to Seaside or Toms River first responders but found that they're too busy actually doing things right now to handle administrative/donation requests, so am hoping the Red Cross is the best place to send funds for the time being. I've got the inkling of an idea to cycle from Cape May to Sandy Hook one day next spring (~150mi) and raise $$ for a more local and direct cause, but that idea will need to incubate for the time being. (Also, by no means is the damage limited to the Jersey Shore, so a donation to the Red Cross will be helpful across the entire range of areas affected by the storm.)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at mattrobinson77 *AT* gmail DOT com

[Too Tall]

Good man.
Done.

[robin3mj]

Thanks boss!

[robin3mj]

One (first and last) bump, for the weekday crowd...

I hope the start of this week finds everyone safe and healthy.