My name is Steve Hansen and I am an employee of Crestmark in Houston, Texas.  I  report through the Baton Rouge Regional Office of Crestmark. The employees of Crestmark are raising money for our fellow employees affected by the Baton Rouge floods.  The money will be used for uninsured necessities, including demolition and rebuilding of damaged property, replacement of home contents including clothing, food, furniture and other household items, and temporary housing.  We are looking for the funds as soon as possible to help with daily expenses.  I have worked with these individuals for many years and watched how hard they have worked and how much they have given.  To help these families that I know and others I do not know would be very rewarding to me and all of the employees of Crestmark.

Many of you may know of the recent tragedy that has befallen the great city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and its surrounding communities.

On Thursday, August 11, heavy rain began to fall, and by Sunday the rainfall totaled over 24 inches in many areas of Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi.  More rain fell in three days than Los Angeles has seen in three and a half years.  Rivers started rising and began to exceed flood levels by a wide margin, inundating homes and businesses and impeding travel.  The interstate system was shut down from Saturday through Monday night.  Many were stranded on one highway for over 24 hours. 

The National Guard, police, firefighters, etc. were stretched as frantic calls for help came in.  Many people had less than 30 minutes to vacate, and some had less of a warning.  People were trapped on rooftops.  In true Louisianan spirit, the Cajun Navy was called in, and fishermen and other boat owners made their way to the flooded areas from all over the state.  These heroes worked 18-20 hours with little food, to help save as many as they could.

The estimate is that over 50,000 people in the area have lost their homes.  There have been 13 known deaths, but unfortunately as the waters recede, and houses are searched, it is expected that the number will rise.

Some employees in the Baton Rouge office have been severely impacted by this disaster.  We have established a fund will ensure that all contributions will be distributed to those in need.

Crestmark will match all Crestmark Employee donations.

Help spread the word!

Collected funds will be distributed to Crestmark employees directly impacted by the flood waters.  Distributions will be made periodically as campaign funds are collected to facilitate the rebuilding process.