Long Island Bahamas Pays It Forward:Dorian

WE DID IT! WE SURPASSED ALL EXPECTATIONS - THANK YOU. 
Please feel free to private message us regarding any donations wishing to still be made.  

Long Island was in a position to help immediately because the island had raised funds for a Post Hurricane Emergency Kit to be on standby. As the storm passed us, we were able to immediately forward this to those affected while the storm was still moving north and blocking 'the big boys'. Small but ready to move quickly with key contacts, family members and loved ones on the affected islands, everyone on Long Island did what they each could. We knew what to donate. We had gift packs for families lovingly made, we had expats pulling together, we had boat crews who knew the treachorous waters get through, we had pilots jumping through NEMA hoops and donated flights and pilot hours - a warehouse donated to try to cope with donations and sheer grit determination to do something transparent, targeted and practical. Most of all Long Island had you.... Long Islanders and her family - by birth or heart. 

We had a specfic goal and this fundraiser is officially clossd for donations however not shut down until a final update has been given to those who have so incredibly donated and are sharing this journey with us.

☆☆☆☆
In 2015, Long Island was devastated by Hurricane Joaquin. Many of those listed below who are part of the team spearheading this campaign, including myself, were on island at the time. A small but indomitable island saw and experienced both the devastation and the humanity of hurricanes. Long Island knows more than most the years of clean up that will ensue.  It isn't a question of helping, it is a question of doing whatever we can. From expat homeowners like myself who fell in love with these fabulous islands and their people, through to born and bred Bahamians with family members on the affected islands, we are united in supporting Mr Adrian Gibson, MP for Long Island in our chance to help our northern neighbors and pay it forward. We urge you to give what you can. Being south of the affected area, we can move quickly and get behind those damaged areas.  This fundraiser is for the FIRST RESPONSE that we can get there QUICKLY.  We know the 'big boys' will get in behind us. We have a plane on the ground ready to roll the SECOND the runway opens.

Friends and family of Long Island, we ask you to consider paying it forward. We know what is needed, we know how urgently and we can deliver it. 

Every cent of the proceeds will go to the items needed within the community as outlined in our Amazon 'wish list' and will be itemised, receipted and hand delivered to our contacts in Abaco/Grand Bahama for those critically needing it in a 3 tier approach.

1 - immediately by plane to Abaco...

2 - Remaining on island donated supplies from LI to be taken by a volunteer boat to Abaco which will aid in evacuation and give the supplies to those still waiting to evacuate.

3 - Items raised in the States will go to Grand Bahama who were, as of the launch of this fundraiser, still  getting pummelled by 300km/hr winds and are now in recovery/clean up mode. Most immediate Grand Bahama needs are being sent on a donated plane out of Fort Lauderdale in coordination with our ground point person; Lou Carroll, in Freeport who is the head of Long Islanders' Association for Grand Bahama as well as the person designated as leading on island clean up. These immediate needs will be followed with the bulkier items requested (including plywood) on the shipping container.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2M3R3K7OQT0QA?ref_=wl_share

Please note that the address for those who would rather buy a SPECIFIC item will pop up as you go through checkout of Amazon. We have used Amazon as Home Depot and Walmart are sold out in Florida of many items.  In coordination with the needs expressed by our point person on Grand Bahama, we are responsive and transparent.If using Amazon - check that you select the address at checkout:

West Indies Export Sales
Attn Atil Tosun
815 NW 57th Ct
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

PLEASE HELP.  

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. Transparent. Please note that every donor will be given  access to the receipts for each item purchased and are welcome to review every single transaction. Direct oversight of the campaign funds will be a group effort and all purchases are reviewed, authorized and copied in to the following people: Jill Smith, Emma McGrath, Atil Tosun, Matt Braer prior to reimbursement. We are conducting this campaign as we expect every aid effort to be. Transparently.

THANK YOU

TEAM LONG ISLAND
Hon. Adrian Gibson - MP Long Island Bahamas
Matt Brear - GM Cape Santa Maria Resort
Terence Carroll - Island Shipping Agent
Alex Dichter - Galliot Cay
Kenneth Cartwright - Seaside Village at Jerry Wells
Kimberly Cartwright - KC's Liquor & Tools/Regatta Awesomeness
Craig Fox - Seafarer Marine
Margaret Fox - Professional Insurance Company
Michelle Hope Rickman  - Tiny's Hurricane Hole
Karin Kuska - The Real Bahamas
Bianca Major - Long Island Runner News
Emma McGrath - President, Stella Maris Property Owners' Association
Kris Newman - Grotto Bay
Jeannie Pierce - Grotto Bay
Jill Smith - GM Stella Maris Resort
Atil Tosun - West Indies Export Sales
Dan & Sara Werra - Palmirage
Jason Whitaker - Tiny's Hurricane Hole

..... and, we hope - 
You - No Matter Where You Live - Long Island by Birth or Heart