We've already got four generous souls who gave to the TBNet Ivan Relief Fund.
You can add your contribution at http://treasurebeach.net/guide/ivan/ivanrelief.html

Over the weekend, before there even was a fund, the new onwer of Doubloon, immedately told me to tell Rebecca to use as she needs US$1000 from an account already in Jamaica. So as long as she can get to the bank, she's got needed money available.

This afternoon, Michael Wirsing graciously offered his time to help test the new electronic donation system. After doing so, he and his wife kicked iin to the fund!

And as I was writing this, I got another great gift from David Moore! Thanks, David.

And just now I see a donation from my mother and step-father, Ann & Lyle Giles. Thanks to both of you.

And there are two more that I'm confirming before I post...

We're up to US$1400 already.

Got one more: Marlon Moxam has just sent in a donation as well. Thanks thanks thanks!

Wow. A low flying, anonymous donor has just given $1500.

Total so far: US$2925
no matter how much you give,
every mikkle meks a mukkle...every little bit helps.

Money is starting to come into Treasure Beach Foundation quickly, too! I have commitments for $880 U.S. from just three people; others have said they're mailing checks, but I won't know the amount until the mail arrives. Plus, we are now set up to accept donations via Paypal.

Again, there is more than a 90% liklihood that all contributions made through Treasure Beach Foundation will be fully tax-deductible to U.S. residents (though many have told me they could care less). The important thing is that the money will go where it is most needed to assist the residents of Treasure Beach.

Thanks -- in advance -- for caring.

Great news Karen. I just sent someone wanting to pay via check your way.

Overnight the TBNet Fund got more donations from:
-elizabeth barker
-Andrea Walls
-John Hopewell
-Patrick & Carrot Top Records, Inc. (check out their cool site)
-susan mannon
-Gerald Reinhardt
- Elizabeth Schongar
-Jessica Aitkenhead
- Gerald Reinhardt


We now have a total of: US$4750, all but $1000 was given in the past 16 hours!

Thanks to all.

A question to ask: I startedf posting names and amounts, and a conversation I had with a donor led me to remove the amounts,..they didn't want their large contribiution to deter others. Should I not post names?

If you specifically don't want yours posted, please let me know.

All right, drum roll please...

As of 9/14 at 10:30PM EST, we had new donations from these generous people:

Marc Jacobs
Elizabeth Maher
Jill Jones
Barbara Stephenson
Shawn Draper
Rebekah Skeddle
Paul Breckenridge
Robert Drake
Rory Barnes


The total for just the TBNet Relief Fund is now US$4070.

Karen, do you have a total to add?

I also know that there are checks going to Glasceta and Karen's fund as well as many who are sending money directly to individuals.

Again, major thanks to all.

I have $1,180 in hand -- with more expected today and tomorrow and the day after that. This does not yet include anything that was sent via PayPal; I will check on that later and report back to you. People are being exceedingly generous, but I'm letting them know any amount -- no matter how small -- will make a difference.

$20 can buy a piece of zinc for a roof.

It's encouraging to think of it that way, over "what can my little $20 do?".

I agree Ohliz when I sent out my email requesting donations from my coworkers that is what I put in the message, it just makes it more real. It's amazing how many people really want to help. I think it's also very important to them that they know where their donation is going, the community and people it's helping, for real. Looking forward to your pictures next trip to share with everyone here at Gallo.

I am now up to definite commitments of $1,755; many others have said they are sending checks, but did not tell me the amount -- so obviously the total will be more.

The following people should have their names added to our contributions list:
* Jenny and Arusha Morgan
* Susy Meyer
* Dan Banner and Cynthia Word
* Jill Jones
* Marion Winik and Crispin Sartwell
* Dian and Phil Gorelick
* Joan Daly
* Marilyn and Gary Gilmer
* Aaron Laufer

This poem is especially written for individuals in Treasure Beach and surrounding villages, who are impacted by Hurricane Ivan. You see, the majority of you are not just statistics. I know you personally by names. I was born in Newell, then I got married and lived in Treasure Beach for a while. I am related to some of you by blood, by faith. I sat with many of you in your homes, ate with you, and shared our woes. I taught many of you in schools--Newcome Valley, Geneva, Newell Secondary, St Elizabeth Technical High School, and Bethlehem Teacher's College. So, you see your names are too numerous to mention here. But I want to let you know I feel your pain, and I am doing all I can to support you at this time. Perhaps the money I am trying to help raise, won't get to you directly, but I am here using the extraordinary gift of words to comfort you. For those who have access to TBNet, try to make copies and get to those who don't.
In addition, this poem is for all readers, because, indeed we all are impacted by a storm of some sort--mentally, emotionally,economically, and so on. I'm using this column to appeal to all readers to support the victims. Approach your bosses, supervisors, friends, families, and workmates for some monies to assist these ones, who are in need.


THE TERROR OF A STORM (Tribute to those whose lives are Impacted by the fury of Hurricane Ivan)

The world’s gone mad about terrorist attacks,
But don’t be fooled my friend, because
we are mastered by an advancing and furious foe
that seeps into the everyday rhythm of some,
With rapid quavering cadence
And ruin our tranquility.

It’s the fisherman who
watches the wind-tossed waves
jump high, and with a swift drawing roar,
it retreats and sucks in his only boat and net
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s the aged man who
Quiver in the loins, who,
through a veil of haze
watch his life-time’s worth
lifted and tossed upside down
in a hopeless heap,
And he must work toward a fine forgetfulness,
For there’s no time left to rebuild.
That is too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s the farmer toiling long and hard
Then watching in confused alarm
the tiny seedlings set in rows,
rush off and down a gorging gully way
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s the small business owner—uninsured
Who watch his roof a-sail and
his flood-drenched merchandise,
and the only retribution is a slow-coming hope
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.


It’s the couple passionately awaiting
The church to exchange vows—now
flung off its foundation
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s evacuating your home—reluctantly,
Then returning to bareness
And where’s your neighbor’s?
Flattened as if by a roller.
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s listening to the rocketing thunder
It’s the poor made twice as poor;
It’s watching those in prosperous homes run as if there’s a siege
It’s clocks that have ceased
It’s boughs broken, trees lain
It’s the thumping rain like a dreaded hand
It’s telephones silenced
It’s water-soaked beds
It’s smokeless fires
It’s none behind the gas pump
It’s the repeated refrain, “Why me? Why me?”
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s like the heavens filled with too much tears,
Rains down on man its weighted woe
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s the terrified child squealing
and the mother squealing back
because there are no comforting words
to rise above her ragged heartbeat
That too is terror, and no
power of man can turn it back.

It’s the children looking
at their playground, now an untidy spot, a stream-bed
It’s the sight of the quiet river
swelling and brimming from bank to bank
That is terror too, and no
power of man can turn it back.

And where are all the flowers, the vegetation gone?
It’s the earth left in a woeful state
blasted and laying untidy like a distinct damnation
And there are those of us—spared
And the mystery remains, “are we judged
more worthy than the other man, who
experiences even a greater haunting fear
When he hears another storm is near.”
That is terror too, and no
power of man can turn it back.

And this dreadful thing must run its course
As we take fresh tasks of cleaning Nature’s handiwork
And look forward to a land of hope, when
We’ll be led by the Greater Leader—Jesus Christ
Who stilled the waters of the storm-tossed sea, and
Will guide our hand to quiet shores where all
Terror will be gone.
--Glasceta Honeyghan, 2004

Dear readers, I was wondering if there are any readers (of TBnet)living abroad, who would be interested in purchasing or selling any of my books, then sending the monies directly to the funds set up here for the victims. Let me know

Lots of donations have rolled in since yesterday from:
-Micheline Hutson
-Deborah Hoffren
-mary croteau (Mair)
-Barbara Jonusaitis
-Paula Salvi
-William Dornbos
-Gail Anderson
-Dalethian Murray
-Sheri Goodwin
-Susan Norton

(If I have missed anhyone who donated via the PayPal links, let me know.)

Total for the TBNet Relief Fund so far:
US$4755

This does not include the US$1000 given by Judy, the TB Foundation fund by Karen Kennedy, or any monies sent to the Breds account, or money sent directly to individuals via Moneygram or WesternUnion.

Donations have ranged from US$20 to US$1000. Whatever you can give will help.

Donate here: http://treasurebeach.net/guide/ivan/ivanrelief.html

How would I go about purchasing or selling these books?

Hi Natalie, I can get the books sent to you directly from the publishing house. Send me your info--address phone #, etc then you can send monies directly to any of the posted relief funds.
Many thanks for your interest.

Please add the following names to the list of generous donors to Treasure Beach Foundation:

* Tim and Tracy Thaller
* Eric and Karen Nodiff
* Joan and John Keenan
* Nancy and Jack Rupertus
* Jane and Rex Edwards
* Gwen and Trevor Holtham

Thank you !!

Hello Mrs.Honeygan, this is natalie may i get your email addresss.

Natalie, please e-mail me, and I'll send address

Another day, and more contributions have rolled in to the TBNet relief fund:

-Turman Tackle, fishing tackle store in treasure beach
-Natalie Riznek
-Linda Forsyth

Total so far = US$5450

Some people are having problems paying through PayPal. When they go to finally donate, they get a message saying 'Your session has timed out', even when they do it very quickly. Does anyone have any info on what might cause this? Could someone contact PayPal and see if they have solutions?

More donations have come in from:

-Anthony Adams
-Richard Lanyon
-Karen Walker
-Edwin F. Bryant
-Michael Loew
-Barbara Farrish-Walker
-Peyton Beals
-Terry Brock

Total for TBNet Relief Fund: US$6344

Great going guys. Let's see if we can break US$10,000 this month.
http://treasurebeach.net/guide/ivan/ivanrelief.html

This is from paypal's FAQ

Why do I get a "timing out" error using PayPal?

The PayPal system is designed to drop your connection, or "time out", after five minutes of inactivity. This is just one measure of many PayPal uses to offer the highest levels of security for our members.

If the system is timing out in less than five minutes, it may be caused by a lost (or dropped) secure connection, which is often a result of Internet congestion. When Internet congestion occurs, secured web servers (the backbone of most websites) are affected the most.

If the problem persists, disconnect and reconnect to your Internet connection (whether via a dial-up or DSL or cable connection). You may also want to wait a few minutes before accessing the PayPal website.

Also, make sure to clear your cache files periodically; otherwise, you may experience slow connection and closing times attempting to access or log out of the PayPal website. To improve overall performance on the web, and specifically while visiting PayPal, routinely clear your cache by following these steps (if your web browser is not listed below, the best solutions are to check the browser's Help section or connect to its customer service center.)

For Internet Explorer:


Click the Start button
Select Settings and then click Control Panel
Double-click Internet (or Internet Options) button, and select the General tab
Click the Settings button in the Temporary Internet Files section and choose View Files
Click Edit and choose Select All
Press the Delete key on your keyboard. If prompted to verify that you want to delete your cookies, click Yes

For Netscape:

Computers store copies of frequently accessed web pages in the system's memory cache or disk cache. This way, the computer doesn't have to download the web page each time you access it. To change the size of the memory cache or clear it altogether (Windows and Unix only), follow these steps:


From the Edit menu, choose Preferences
Open the Advanced category and click Cache
To clear the Memory Cache immediately, click Clear Memory Cache

For AOL:


Open the AOL account
Click Settings on the toolbar, (My AOL for older versions)
Select Preferences
Select the Internet Properties (WWW) link on the left-hand side
In the middle of the Internet Options box is a section called Temporary Internet Files
Click Delete Files. Place a check mark in the "Delete All Offline Content" box
Click OK

Note: If you need to write a long description when sending a payment or Money Request, open a text only document, type your message and then copy and paste the message into the PayPal sending document page.

and for this problem...

Why do I get a "page cannot be displayed" error using AOL with PayPal?

If you are using AOL with PayPal and receive the error message "page cannot be displayed", the error is likely attributed to the AOL web browser's security level being set too low.

To determine if the error is occurring in an AOL browser, connect to AOL and minimize the AOL browser. Once the AOL browser is minimized, open an alternate browser (one should already be loaded on the computer), either Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator or Communicator, and log in to your PayPal using the alternative browser.

If problems continue, please review the Help or About information for the version and cipher strength of the browser. If the website is timing out at 39% or receiving the error message "page cannot be displayed", upgrade the browser to 128-bit encryption strength (AOL 6.0 and higher). For Internet Explorer:


Click Help and About to review the amount of encryption currently installed on your browser. This is generally termed in this screen as Cipher Strength.
If the level is less than 128-bit encryption, click Update Information within the Help window and you will be directed to the upgrade page. This upgrade will only take a few minutes.
You will also need to check your browser settings:


Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and then open Internet Options
Select Advanced and scroll to the bottom of that window
Ensure that 'Use SSL 2.0', 'Use SSL 3.0' and 'Use TLS 1.0' are checked as Enabled. If these are not enabled, check the box next to each of these options

More contrubutions to report...

-Janice Schroer, owner of Villa Ja Ja
-Duane Cramer
-Beverly Stone
-Robert Benz
-William Ellis
-Cathy Rice

Total for TBNet Relief Fund: US$7709

Thanks to eveyone who's opened their heart and their pocketbook.

How you can help

On behalf of the TB Foundation and Karen Kennedy...

Contributers to the Treasure Beach Fondation Fund:
-Virginia Monaghan
-Nancy and Jack Rupertus
-Marion Winik and Crispin Sartwell
-Diane and Phil Gorelick
-Marilyn and Gary Gilmer
-Nonnie and Bob Robertson
-Liora and Gabriel Laufer


Total for the TB Foundation fund: $3,255 and more checks on the way.

Does the Treasure Beach Foundation have a website?

No Web site, Mair. Wish I had time to deal with that, but right now, all I can handle is collecting donations -- and getting down to Treasure Beach with the $$. Some time after all this Ivan mess is cleared up, there will be a Web site of some sort (homegrown, so it's inexpensive) for the Foundation.

More contributions to Treasure Beach Foundation in -- and more are on their way.

Additional funds have been received from:

* Gary Duke
* Candace and David Hadley
* Dolleen and David Kennedy
* Michael Kohn
* Joan and Jim Smith

The total to-date is $3,355 received of $4,205 in definite commitments; plus, others have said they're mailing checks but have not told me the amount.

Thanks to all of you for caring -- and sharing!

Even more -- forgot to add what came in through PayPal and have now consolidated everything onto one sheet.

The total received is actually $3,840.20 of definite commitments of $4,690.20.

Keep your checks coming!

Hi everyone,
On behalf of CHILD Organization, I'm very grateful for your generous donation. As I've said before, much of our donation comes from individuals who want to contribute to specific causes/individuals. One person (all the way in California) sent us US$600.00 to assist a family in Great Bay (who lost their roof).

We urge our readers to keep up the good work, keep the funds rolling in, and assist someone who is in dire need at this time.
Many Thanks

Update to the TBNet Relief Fund...

New donors:
-Alexandra Torres
-Kathleen Shear
-Ric Fox
-Keith Doughty
-Eric Wills
-Jan Droegkamp

Thanks to all!

Total for TBNet Fund: US$8435

We're suing this money to make sure immeditae basic needs are met and for long term rebuilding efforts. Be part of it!

didnt foj just make a ather large donation?
just dont see it mentioned
one love

Nige:

Who/What is FOJ?

We're on a roll!! Additional contributions have been received from:

* Marty Cardona
* Tracy and Tim Haller
* James Vanarsdale
* Ian and Izumi Kennedy
* Mie Kennedy

Total pledges to-date for Treasure Beach Foundation are $8,138.45, and many more people have said they're sending contributions of unspecified amounts. We've collected $4,588.45 of that so far. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU !!

Obviously I'm not Nigel but here's their webpage:
http://www.friendsofjamaicausa.org/
I didn't see anything about any Treasure Beach donations but that doesn't mean they didn't. I know nothing about them good or bad but a certain Negril message board had negative things posted about them which means nothing really. Their page mentions something about re-applying for non-profit status because of a change in management. I'm hoping Nige see's this and fills us in because if someone posted that they sent money to Treasure Beach and you have no record of it, there might be a problem. Hopefully its simply a matter of mis-communication which is understandable in these hectic times.

Sorry for the miscommunication regarding Friends of Jamaica USA.

We are in a state of transition from a Californina not-for-profit to an Illinois not-for-profit.

Changes have now been made to the website to reflect the change. The application to renew the not-for-profit status is underway. I expect no difficulty with getting that determination from the IRS.

The donation was actually made Monday by wire transfer to the BREDS organization. Before I became the director of FOJ, I already had a volunteer project of 3 years teaching a class to doctors, nurses and midwives at Sav la Mar Public Hospital. I am a neonatal nurse, (intensive care for newborns, including preemies) and the class is called neonatal resuscitation - or what to do when a baby is born and is not breathing.

In June, after linking up with Nige's sister at Blue Marlin Villas, I taught the class to the Treasure Beach Emergency Response volunteers. I was extremely impressed with this wonderful group from the community, and with them in mind, FOJ donated funds for emergency relief. I have had difficulty reaching anyone from BREDS, understandably so, to inform them of the donation. I will keep trying.
I also taught the class at the Black River Hospital on that trip.

I apologize for the misunderstanding during these difficult times, but I felt the most important thing was to get the money directly to those who need it.

Please visit the website for more information:

friendsofjamaicausa.org

If anyone has questions about the class you can contact Jason Henzel or Darin James.

Marcia Everts, Director
Friends of Jamaica USA

Nurse Marcia
Thanks for taking the time to clear things up. Keep up your important work.
Mike
One of your biggest fans.

sorry eric, i didnt know you did not know marcia. she is true gem, and comes to us by way of sav where she has been tirelessly donating her vacations for a while. she is a pediatric nurse and the new director of friends of jamaica, a wonderful group that has done good things all over ja.
walk good

CHILD ORGANIZATION wishes to thank generous donors who have been sending in donations. We urge others to contact us to see how you can assist us.

Many more donations have come into the TBNet Donation fund...

- Aha! Moments Coachin
- Cynthia Rosen
- Malvern C.I. 100th Reunion
- Christina O'Connell
- Jenene Cook
- Michael J Letourneau
- James Asbury
-The Story and Strategy Alliance
- Michele Foster
- David Moore
- Jennifer Tang

TBNet Fund Total: US$9400
Be part of it

Nurse Marcia,

I am a nurse who travels to TB. I'd like to link up with your orginization some time.

Would be happy to meet up with you. email me and we can chat.

m.everts@insightbb.com


(remember the dot between the m and everts)

People care so much about the residents of Treasure Beach, primarily because when they have visited Treasure Beach they have been treated as guests and not tourists. In turn, these people have now opened their hearts -- and their wallets.

Today's mail has brought contributions from:

* Liorah Brown
* Jill and Doug Crawford
* Debbi and Steve Estes
* Joan and John Keenan
* Marianne Lewis
* Shelley Scott

We have now collected $6,608.45 out of pledges of $9,758.45. Plus, more people have said they're donating without specifying the amounts.

Keep those checks and PayPal contributions rolling in!

More donations came in today; they're from:

* Catherine Alexander and Tony Mapes
* Kathy and Ken Friday
* First Union Church of Victoria, Canada

Total commitments to the Treasure Beach Foundation are now over $10,000!! And, $7,648.41 has already been collected.

My next report will be on Monday, 9/27. (It's a shame we have no Sunday mail delivery because going to the mailbox has become the high point of my day.)

Sincere thanks to all of you who have contributed.

Please know that the needs in Treasure Beach are far more than can be handled with current donations. If you have not yet written a check or sent money through PayPal, it's time to consider doing it. All these people want (and deserve) is the opportunity to get back on their feet.

Don and Brad Noel, Hikaru owners, are contributing $2,500 to the Treasure Beach Foundation. (They first decided to match donations from Hikaru guests -- up to a total of $2,500; but they realized the community's need is so great, they are contributing the full amount, whether or not their guests match it.) As guest villa "pioneers" in the Billy's Bay section of Treasure Beach, they understand that -- above all -- it is the residents of Treasure Beach that make their guests want to visit again and again. Kudos to the Noels for their generosity, even in the face of a great amount of uninsured damage to Hikaru.

And, this is a call for other Treasure Beach villa owners to donate back to the community that has enabled them to attract guests to Treasure Beach.

Bringing money to Jamaica tomorrow, 9/28.

More donations to Treasure Beach Foundation came in today from:

* Steve Anderson and Jacquie Walker
* Marie and Ken Hamilton
* Jean Holloway
* John Karrer
* Steve Morrell
* Margaret Nason
* Brad and Don Noel

We've collected $10,723.41 out of definite pledges of $11,373.41 -- plus more pledges without specified amounts. This is WONDERFUL!!

Please know that Jedd Smith (in my office) will be opening your envelopes and monitoring the PayPal account daily -- and will be updating this site as often as necessary, Monday - Fridays. Every additional donation means we can help do more in Treasure Beach. Remember -- a sheet of zinc costs less than $20 US, so don't feel shy about sending a small contribution; every dollar truly helps.

Another donation to Treasure Beach Foundation came in today from:

* Gretchen and Joe Bailey

We've collected $10,923.41 out of definite pledges of $11,573.41 -- plus more pledges without specified amounts. This is great news!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen, who is in Treasure Beach helping out as we speak!

Many thanks to everybody.

More contributers to the TBNet Fund:

-Rachel Young
-Kendra Glass
-Miles Siggins
-Cathy Rice
- Josephine Ball
- David Stirrat
- Marshall Karesh
- Amy Gottlieb
- Marilyn & Stephen Koshland
- Uwe Seburschenich, aka Jui the German Tomato King :-)
- Ashley Mclain

Total so far: over US$10,000. Awesome!
Be part of it!

Sandy Bank Primary School has been without electricity since Ivan. Karen reported today from Jamaica that the first funds expended from Treasure Beach Foundation will be to help get electricity restored at the school.

Karen also went to a meeting with several other community members performing needs assessment so that she can best determine who most needs the assistance very quickly.

More contributions keep coming in. Today, we received donations from:

*Priscilla Adams
*Kim Romary

We have now collected $11,223.41 and have even more pledges without specified amounts. This is wonderful!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen, who is in Treasure Beach helping out right now.

More donations arrived today! We want to thank the following people for their generous contributions:

* Sharon & John Bates
* John Bergmark
* N. Gary Jaimeson
* Worth & Louise Loomis
* R. Suzanne Morrison
* Kevin Nixon
* Jill & Richard Welk

We have now collected $12,023.41 and have even more pledges without specified amounts. We want to thank everyone for their donations!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen, who is currently in Treasure Beach.

More money came in for the TBNet Relief Fund:

-Catherine and Brigitte Eveno (sister power!)
-Laura Swetz
-Aaron Anderson
-James Masek
-Stefan Niedzwiedzki
-Nancy Streb
-Thomas Menihan
-Kym (who's last name I can't find right now...sorry!)

Total: Over $10,800
Be part of it!

So many names I recognize. Sincere thanks to all our friends out there who are giving us such great encouragement! I cannot put into words how grateful we are.

it's a sister donation, Catherine and Brigitte Eveno
love and bises de Paris

Merci beaucoup mes souers! Stuart dit salut.

More donations to Treasure Beach Foundation came in today from:

* Helen Chapman
* Anne Eglinton
* Sarah Emmel
* Elizabeth Gilson & Joel Cogen
* Mikie & Rick Kennedy
* David Koehler
* Neil McAuliffe
* Thomas Menihan
* William Oaks
* Sari Rotter & William Gardner

We have now collected $13,445.21 and have even more pledges without specified amounts. We want to thank everyone for their donations!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen, who is currently in Treasure Beach.

More kind souls have donated to the TBNet Relief Fund:

-Paul Johnson
-The crew at Old York Tavern Bar & Grill in Toronto (via Tina & Mike)

Total has now passed US$11,000!

Thanks to all!
Be part of the solution!

Donations keep coming in! Today, Treasure Beach Foundation received contributions from:

* Celeste & Eric Grace
* Pamela Luecke & George Graves
* Julie & Keith Martin
* Lynne Mazadoorian & John Lockhart III

We have now collected $14,845.21. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen, who is currently in Treasure Beach.

I'd like to mention the generous donation just received from our own Eric Leversen!

Thanks so much to all and I can't wait to report back on how your dollars are being spent.

Big up to the Old Tavern Posse!! Calabash House soon ready for you.

I actually got on a computer, though the line at Rainbow Tree is still not functioning. (Maybe tomorrow? Maybe not. I'm getting quite accustomed to no Internet connection.)

Lots of progress is being made down here. (I'll leave specifics of what's already been distributed for Rebecca to report later.) The way the members of the Relief Committee -- and the residents of Treasure Beach -- are pulling together is nothing short of amazing.

On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU FOR CARING -- AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

More contributers the the TBNet Fund:

-Evelyn Leversen (my grandmother)
-Barb and Leef Leversen (my step-mother and father)
-Ann and Pete Wilson (former Peace Corps in TB)

Our total: over US$12,000

See what your donations have already done.

Be part of it

More contributers to the TBNet Fund:

Debbie George (who had never been to TB, had a reservation at Lyric, needed to cancel her reservation and donated her deposit to the fund!)

Thanks so much Debbie and we sure hope to see you here another time soon!

We would like to thank John Hopewell and the First Unitarian Church of Victoria, Canada for their second contribution to Treasure Beach Foundation.

Treasure Beach Foundation has now collected more than $15,000 and has more on the way. Thanks to everyone for their kind donations!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen while she is in Treasure Beach.

John and Gloria, thanks so very much!!! How is the grandbaby doing?

More donations came in today! Treasure Beach Foundation would like to thank the following people for their generous contributions:

* Monica & Andrew Johnson
* Lillian Mayers

Treasure Beach Foundation has now raised $15,433.21. There are more donations on the way--thank you for your support!

This is Jedd Smith reporting for Karen for the final time--she returns tonight. Karen took many pictures while in Treasure Beach. She will try to post them tomorrow so you can see your donation dollars at work.

I'm finally back from Treasure Beach. Even though the last 15 days were some of the most exhausting I can ever remember, my trip to Treasure Beach was one of the most rewarding things in which I have ever participated. I wouldn't have given up this opportunity for anything.

Things are looking so much better!! It's obvious that everyone takes pride in the community. Each person seems to be doing what they can to clean up the beaches, trim the dead branches off the trees, replant, repbuild, and repaint.

And, now that I have a computer again, I have been able to read the hundreds of messages that have been posted to the Forum in the past two weeks. While the vast majority of the postings are very positive, I noticed that a few people seem to feel the relief efforts have not been totally fair.

Please know the Relief Committe has been meeting for roughly three hours each morning to consider all the cases, decide which are the most desparate, and determine what can be done to help get them back on their feet. We have not waited for people to approach us; instead, we have combed the various districts in Treasure Beach (often to places not accessable by vehicle) to find these people ourselves.

There is no way that everyone in Treasure Beach could be made "whole" again, even with much more money. Each and every person in Treasure Beach has suffered losses -- some much worse than others. What we have done (and what we will continue to do) is to do our best to provide enough assistance to get the neediest people back on their feet.

With your continued financial assistance (to Treasure Beach Foundation, TB.net, or BREDS), we can keep doing more.

And, by visiting Treasure Beach, you can also help. The community is ready and able to welcome visitors -- and needs tourism dollars. Come stay at a guest house, and leave good tips for the locals who work there. Buy fish from the fishermen. Buy your produce from the local farmers and vendors. Get a souvenir from the Women's Coop. Shop in the local stores. Buy a wood carving for yourself or for a gift. Eat at a local restaurant. Hire a Treasure Beach service for your airport transfers and tours. Every dollar you spend in Treasure Beach has a trickle-down effect; so, you can enjoy yourself on vacation -- and help the people in Treasure Beach while you're having fun. (What a deal!!)

Mr. Valnie's house IS being rebuilt.

Here's a photo taken with Miss Cicelyn (Mr. Valnie's wife) and their coupon for building materials.



By now, the foundation for their home is almost done, and there's a heap of materials waiting to be used in the reconstruction.

Plus, I'm glad to report that as of today, Treasure Beach Foundation is up to $15,633.41 in funds collected.

Glad to hear you are home safe and sound Karen, but we already miss you and Peter down here! Huge thanks go out to both of you, Aman, and the rest of the Rainbow Point and Rainbow Tree crew for being the watchdogs for Billy's Bay and Fort Charles and making sure the most needy found some relief.

Special thanks to all who support the Treasure Beach Foundation. Trust me when I tell you, your spokesperson has tirelessly worked to make sure every one of your dollars was being used and spent wisely.

Thanks also to Jedd Smith for holding the fort down in Miss Karen's absence. I hope to meet you in person soon, so I can give you a big hug!

More contributions to TBNet Relief Fund

-Melanie Wallentine
-Leslie O'Brien

Total now: Over $12,300

Be part of it!

Big thanks to the Merrimack College Posse for setting up a table in their campus center and manning it during their lunch hours all last week asking for donations for the Treasure Beach Relief Fund!

In your very busy college life schedules you all took the time to help support the Treasure Beach community.



Middle row, second young woman from the left wearing a pink top, well that is my beautiful niece!

Much love to Katie, Paul, and the whole Merrimack crew! Aunt Rebecca can't wait to see you all down here again real soon and thanks a million!!!

Another donor to TBNet Relief Fund:

-Shelley Moskowitz (Miss Amy's cousin)

Total now: Over $12,400!

Be part of it!

Another donation came in from...

- Lynnette Henson

Thanks!

And one more bit of kindness from...

- Personal-Horizons.com

Thanks!

Special thanks to Annabelle Todd of Lyric and John and Margarita Ebanks of Fairhill Villa for your very generous contributions!

More donations come in...

-Mair (again!)
-Thomas Oren

Thanks to all!

On a related note, we have changed the PayPal account on the donations page to go to the Treasure Beach Foundation instead of the TBNet account.

As the situation improves, we feel its better to funnel new donations through the TB Foundation and their tax exempt status.

Thanks TBNet for being there when we wanted to help our friends IMMEDIATELY! It was wonderful to get help to the people who needed it immediately, and not wait for a bureaucracy to evaluate the situation.

Awesome contributions keep coming in. This is so wonderful, in light of the fact that Ivan hit Jamaica nearly two months ago.

Special thanks go to:

* Patricia and Ernest Hallbach
* Karen and Eric Nodiff
* Casey and Linda Phillips

Due to their generosity, donations to Treasure Beach Foundation have now topped $18,000 !!

Plus, the group of people in Charleston who have organized fund raisers were able to raise more than $1,000 for Treasure Beach Foundation. And, they believe they can raise even more over the next month or so. (More details to come on these marvelous folks and the amount they've encouraged others to donate ...) This, however, will push out total to over $19,000.

All the money that's been raised, the vast majority from visitors to Treasure Beach, is a testament to the appreciation people have for the residents of Treasure Beach who have welcomed them into their community over the years. One of the main things that makes Treasure Beach so very special -- and a primary reason for guests wanting to return over and over -- is the PEOPLE of Treasure Beach.

A very late and apologetic addition to the list of generous souls who gave to the TBNet Relief Fund.

Kent and Mary Beth Seldal sent a contribution waaaaaay back on Sept 23 and I mistakely left them off this list.

Thanks to the Seldals and thanks to everyone who donated.

-TBNet