Helping our own - Funds for Grasshopper

If you've ever ventured to Nature's Resort in Homosassa, Florida; then chances are - You've been welcomed by the sweet smile of John Bews, known to friends and family as: Grasshopper. If you have ever spent a night in the marina, then you've likely been waited on by his beautiful wife of over 40 years: Donna. These two amazing souls are instant, life-long friends to anyone they cross paths with. Grasshopper still gets out and does the landscape at the resort and works very hard at 76 years old!  You will not see much get his spirits down.

Sadly, Donna passed away very suddenly, earlier this year, leaving Grasshopper to pick up the pieces and attempt to do things for himself that he had not done in more than 4 decades. He was heartbroken, vulnerable and lost. In his state of shock and confusion, he granted Power of Attorney to his son to transfer the marital assets into his name and make the decisions he was uncertain of. 

Horrifically, in the time he needed support the most, he was deceived by his own flesh and blood and taken advantage of in his time of confusion and need. They maliciously transferred titles out of Donna's name and into their own names. They took possession of his car - his only means of transportation to go to Dr's appointments, grocery store, etc. They attempted to transfer the title of Donna & Grasshopper's home into their names, but were beat there by minutes, thank God! They withdrew the majority of his money from his bank account and stole his emergency cash fund as well, leaving him with his fixed income and very left to live of off. Most devastating to Grasshopper was when they transferred his boat into their names and came to take his beloved Pontoon boat. He has worked on that boat for 10 years and it was his pride and joy and last remaining source of happiness and fun. Anyone who knows Grasshopper, knows that this boat was one thing he had left to live for! 

As his close friends and family, we are starting this fundraiser in an effort to bring back some sense of peace and normalcy to our dear friend. We have acquired lawyer for the civil matters, but they warn that this could take years to pan out. We would like to see him enjoy and happily live out the remaining years of his life in any way he can and also recuperate some of the nearly $25,000 that was callously scammed from him in his darkest time. We have a donation of a second-hand engine for a boat and are actively looking for a used pontoon replacement for him. Anything is appreciated to help our "Little Buddy" get through this time with the least amount of stress possible. 

Thank you for your consideration. The entire Nature's Resort Family thanks you.

**If you would prefer to donate directly, please contact Ginger Pelon -Homossassa Area (cash/check) or Jeni Scheid - Manatee County Area ( or via venmo/paypal) and we will get the money into the secure bank account for Grasshopper.