Help Our Harbor Lights Resort Jamaican Team Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa

We are Steve and Janis Campbell and Steve and Amy Smeltzer, co-owners of Harbor Lights Resort in Frankfort, Michigan.

The images coming out of Jamaica after the historic hurricane are heartbreaking – but for us, this unbelievable tragedy hits home in a very real way.

Thirteen of our beloved team members, who travel from Jamaica to work with us at the resort every summer – some for over a decade have been dramatically impacted by this hurricane. Many of their homes have suffered significant damage, including major roof damage, wall cracks and collapse, and flooding resulting in the loss of furniture and possessions. One team member tragically lost her mother in the aftermath of the hurricane. The photos we are sharing are from just a few people on our team showing the current state of their homes.

There have been a lot of tears as our team waited for news from their families, friends and neighbors. One said, “Honestly, I’m broken… It’s hard, but life goes on.” Another told us “With God’s help, we will rise again.” And another simply said “The seawater washed everything away.”

These 13 women are an important part of our team. Their smiling faces greet Harbor Lights visitors with joy, and help provide a great experience and exceptionally clean rooms for our guests. Our Frankfort community knows these incredible individuals, too. We all love hearing their sweet Jamaican accents when we see them at shops or church. And everyone who works at the grocery store has seen them on payday, in line at the counter, patiently wiring money home to support their families. Year after year, that’s what they do.

Now they need our help.

Every dollar raised through this fund will go directly to our Jamaican team members and their families to help them rebuild their homes, replace their essential belongings and restore their lives after this unimaginable loss.

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a real and immediate difference. Let’s come together to support these ladies who have brought so much love and light to our community over the years.

Our fundraising goal is $100,000 to be split equally between our 13 team members to help them with immediate needs and ongoing recovery. We are seeding the campaign with a $10,000 donation.

Please give what you can – and share this page with others who may want to help.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity and solidarity with our Jamaican Family.