To my fishing community and friends. The Fish Hawk, Alpharetta Outfitters, Unicoi Outfitters and myself are coming together to support the Demagistris family—Nick, his wife, and their 16-year-old son—who are facing a truly difficult time. They are currently living in a Lake Lanier campground, where Nick is a host. The job offers them to live on-site. The family has been making do in a large tent that Nick can heat, showing incredible resilience and resourcefulness. I am just a friend trying to help this family out of their desperate situation. Our plan/goal is that funds will be transferred into my bank account and I will distribute monies to fix their car (already done), buy minimal essential supplies needed, get them an extra week at the extended stay motel until the ground dries up and their tent can be erected, pay 10 days' worth of fees to get them to their permanent campground where they will live fee free in exchange for being the campground host starting in middle of Feb and finally to purchase a camper for future shelter at that campground. If there are any additional funds remaining, I will electronically transfer dollars into a credit union account in their name as emergency funds which they will control. Additionally, I will have and keep receipts of all monies spent.
Recently, a severe storm caused their tent to collapse, leaving them without shelter. Thanks to the kindness of a local church, they were able to stay in a motel for a week, and we’ve managed to extend that stay so they don’t have to go to a shelter while their tent is being repaired. Nick’s son is a passionate fly fisher, and our fishing community has come together to help him with gear and winter clothes so he can still enjoy the lake. Despite these small victories, the family’s situation remains precarious.
The Demagistris family lost their home during COVID when their cleaning business was forced to close. Since then, they have worked hard to get back on their feet, but it’s been a struggle. Nick’s wife works, but their income barely covers food, and sometimes they need help from the community. They are a proud, hard-working, and faith-filled family who have always given back when they could. Now, they need us.
This fundraiser is organized by Henry Cowen, The Fish Hawk, Alpharetta Outfitters, and Unicoi Outfitters. I will be withdrawing all funds directly and using them to purchase a camper and provide additional support for their needs. I am kindly asking our fishing community and anyone who can to support this effort. Any contribution, big or small, will make a real difference in helping this wonderful family find the stability and dignity they deserve.