On New Year's Eve 2021, my good friend Dev was crossing the street near his home in central New Jersey when he was struck by a motor vehicle going 50 mph. He was rushed to the ER, having sustained multiple serious injuries, and was told he would probably have tremendous difficulty walking again, and might never sing again-- his one driving passion in life.

I wasn't friends with Dev when this all went down, and the fact that we're friends now is a testament to his strength, perseverance, and pure grit. Dev starting re-laying the foundation of his life brick by brick, step by step. He got out of that hospital bed. He started walking again. And in the fall of 2023, he did what he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to do: he joined our beloved Princeton Pro Musica as the newest member of our bass section. And not only did he join the section, but he immediately volunteered to fill the vacant section leader role. Dev gives of himself as readily as many of us breathe, and I'm grateful to know him and benefit from his examples of integrity, passion, and courage.

This fundraiser isn't directly related to the events I've described above, but as any of us who've survived a traumatic event will attest, its after-effects ripple out into our lives for a long, long time, so while I tell this story to paint a picture of a remarkable man, I also tell it to give some context for the hardship Dev has already endured.

While his physical and vocal health has come a long way, Dev finds himself in a bit of a tough spot right now. As it does sometimes, a lot of "life" has happened to Dev all at once. Some personal and professional setbacks have left him short of funds to make a few critical things happen:

First and foremost, Dev needs a place to live. In order to secure a place, he needs some help with a security deposit.

Secondly, Dev has been working as a rideshare driver, but does not currently have a vehicle of his own. He'd like to rent one through Uber, which offers a rental program to its drivers, and which would allow him to continue doing this work.

Dev isn't asking for much in the grand scheme of things. Just a little boost to help him move from one season of his life to the next. Ideally, he'd be able to do so without having to withdraw from the musical engagements he has lined up this spring, which motivate and inspire him to keep going.

I hope you'll consider helping out a man who's done all the right things, but who still needs a little help. And I hope that you'll do so generously (within the context of your personal situation, of course). Many hands make light work!

Thank you for doing your part to surround Dev with the community and kindness each of us deserves. Even if you can't support this fundraiser financially, please share it on social media and help spread the word. Huge love to you all!