Help one of our own, Big Al

[GRQster]

As most of you know by now, Al Sipe (Big Al) was hit very hard by Hurricane Katrina. Although his home is standing, it is basically destroyed. I did speak with Al on the cell and although they are physically okay, they aren't very well emotionally or financially. He was very happy to hear that we wanted to help.
I recieved a message from Galen Koch (Lomodyj) after Al posted the pics here on the bbs "Just saw Al's pics on the forum. Showed them to Sandra...She started to
cry, asked if the AJC was doing any kind of donation directly to him. It's the folks like Big Al that have lost huge amounts, yet, being
middle Americans will receive little or no help from organizations like
American Red Cross, Salvation Army, H.O.P.E et all. People like Al are
also the least likely to ever ask for help.
So, question is, is the AJC or even the Eastern Chapter interested in
setting up a donation point to go directly to Big Al and family,
something to help our friend get his world back into some kind of order
(whether he wants it or not)?"
Galen and Sandra kicked off the fund with a donation and after some consultation from other Eastern Chapter members The Eastern Chapter will kick in a minimum of $1000.00 from part of the Brian Sweeney Fund money and also from proceeds from the Jeepster Jam's that you have all attended and supported so well over the years.
We are also asking that YOU donate money for Big Al and his family to help them rebuild their lives.
You can send money via Paypal at ajcec@cox.net
or by USPS at AJC c/o
John Briscione
4250 Rommitch Ln.
Pensacola, FL 32504
Please make funds payable to AJC and you can earmark them AL Sipe. We will transfer funds bi-weekly to Al's son per his wishes.
Thank you all,

[Bonecruncher]

Donation sent.

As was stated so well above, most of us probablly fall somewhere in between independently wealthy, and needing gov't assistance. Though my little donation may not be the difference between eating dinner tonight or starving, I hope it can help with rebuilding things a little.

Happy to be able to help out. Thanks for setting this up.

[lomodyj]

Good job setting this up RQ and John.

Is paypal charging the EC fees (iow, are we set up as a non-profit with them)?

[jeepdog]

This post is truly one of the classiest posts I've ever read. Richard, I wish I had half the insite on doing the right things as you do. As a Jeepster parts supplier I challenge other main parts suppliers (we all know who we are) to match or beat a $250 donation to BigAl and his family.



jeepdog

[RamblinCommando]

This is a very C@@L thing to do.I am glad to help out!!!

[Junkfood]

Great idea. We have to try and take care of our own. Money sent.
Keith

[GRQster]

[ QUOTE ]
This post is truly one of the classiest posts I've ever read. Richard, I wish I had half the insite on doing the right things as you do.

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks Don but the credit goes to Lomodyj [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] and many of the Eastern members [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] who were consulted before the post.

[mbalbritton]

Could someone sticky this thread. I can't afford any doantion at this time, but I will with my next paycheck. I'd hate to see this thread get lost too soon.

[Jeep_Lizard]

I also will have to wait for another pay check, since I've already donated to a number of things already, Red Cross (five times) and the SPCA (Twice) and our County office is taking up donations also, so I'll probably throw some in that fund too.
It will be two weeks before I can help out.
Can you post how much is collected on this topic? I think you can edit your original posting and just put the total there.

[chdorsey]

RQ and others,
Thanks for prompting our memory on this. Are there others in the Club that were adversely affected by Katrina? I have been spotty reading the last 2 weeks, but don't recall any posts from Drayson. Just wondering if anyone has heard from him or others in the general area. Thanks again, John.