Sandy Update
I wanted to check back and let you know how our Sandy Relief is going. We are working on three fronts.
- Fundraising: At the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala $3,200 was raised. Over the weekend at our Launch Pad Rail Garden we raised $7,980. That is over $10,000 in 4 days! The Deerfield Valley Rotary Club will manage all of the monies collected, much like they did after Irene. A group of Rotarians and local community members will form a committee that will discuss projects in Sandy affected areas and decide the best projects to help with. We are working with Rotary clubs in NY and NJ and know that these connections will prove to be invaluable. When we identify projects, we will also be able to reach out to other Rotary Clubs and raise more money. If you would like to make a donation, make checks payable to Deerfield Valley Rotary Fund (this is a 501c3) and note that the check is for Sandy Relief. Mail to: Joe Arnold 67 Castle Hill Rd, Wilmington, VT 05363
- Supplies: Over the weekend supplies went down to NJ and NY through the Brattleboro Rotary Club and the Muenkel and Rode families, respectively. Dave Muenkel heads up our IT department and his sister was instrumental in getting supplies down to West Babylon, NY. Dave told me that on Sunday they had (3) 26 foot Penske trucks, (2) Fed Ex sprinters and a pick up truck with a trailer…all filled to the brim with supplies. Oh, and can’t forget the guy from Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters who joined the caravan with his van full of free coffee and bagels (I bet he was the super-hero of the day!) Dave arrived before the trucks and said that by the time the trucks pulled in there was a crowd of over 200 people and they cheered as the trucks drove in.
I asked Dave where they got all the trucks and he said that his sister thought they would be donated but when that fell through she paid for the rentals and the gas. It is amazing what people will do to help others.
Another one of our staff members, Gina, is heading to Highlands, NJ this weekend. She doesn’t have a caravan of trucks but she is determined to fill her Jeep with the necessary items needed and is going to volunteer in that town.
3. Volunteerism – after Irene, it was quite easy to volunteer because we understood the lay of the land, where to check in and we could go home to a hot shower and bed at the end of the day. Logistically, it is a little harder to make the trip to NY or NJ. But despite distance and lack of communication, our community has been making it down to help and one of our Rotarian’s, Sarah, is trying to organize a bus load of volunteers.
Thanks to everyone who has already helped with donations and your time. There is still so much help needed so let’s continue to support those in need.
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Way to go Muenkel and sis, Gina, the Shelburne Falls Coffee Roaster guy and local Rotary! Everyone who donated at Chamber event and at the mountain this weekend! People helping people in time of need and as always – pay it forward!
Following the devastation in the valley and thoughout VT caused by Irene, our kids launched a clothing and food drive through their schools, local fire department, church and. synagogue. Because of the generosity of friends and family…and strangers, we made 3 trips to Mount Snow and Stratton, each time with a trailer full of supplies. Thank you, and everyone at the mountain, in the valley and fellow Mount Snow goers who so generously gave of their time, money and supplies to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Our family is one of the lucky ones who lost power for one short week. Our hearts go out to those who have lost so much.
Judi – a week without power is never short – love your positive spirit. And thank you for your help with Irene and sharing this story.
Thanks soooo much to everyone in the mount snow community for reaching out to the communities in NJ & NY. Another reason the people of vt are so wonderful… Paying it forward!!! Cant wait to get on the hill.
Thanks again from NJ!!!
Thank you all so much! As a mom of three who loaded our truck full of supplies for West Dover after Irene we really appreciate all your help! It looks like school will finally start on Monday and we will continue rebuilding our tiny NJ beach town. After the last few weeks, the family is definitely looking forward to spending another wonderful Christmas at Mt. Snow. Thanks again for all your support…you guys have proven to us that we will get through this!
As a resident of Long Island with a deep passion for Southern Vermont, and in the last few years a second home owner in Wilmington, we were devastated last year by the destruction to the community we consider a second home. The loss of Dots was particularly upsetting. We were happy help out and contribute to rebuilding. We were very fortunate to have only suffered the loss of power to Sandy, but so many of our neighbors on the South Shore were not. It restores faith in humanity to see the outreach by Vermonters to New York and New Jersey.