Helping Paul Benedetti recover from Hurricane Ian

Hello, my name is Michelle Sullivan Eastman from Vergennes, VT and I’m raising money for Paul Benedetti who lost everything and almost his life in Ft Myers during Hurricane Ian. Despite being inland, Paul and his parents were inundated with water that caused a wall to give way. As the water continued to rise they clung to a mattress to stay upright. Certain they were all going to die Paul called 911, and then his brother to say their goodbyes. It was by the grace of God that just when they didn’t think they could hang on any longer as water was up to their chest that the water began to recede and they were eventually rescued some 12 hours after the storm surge hit.

Their home, cars, and just about all possessions were lost. Paul’s car will be totaled out by the insurance company but he unfortunately owes more than the value of the vehicle and will still need to get another car. Your donations would go toward paying off the difference of the car loan and help with a down payment for another car. Paul lives on Social Security Disability after a serious car accident several years ago but works for Teen Challenge at their thrift store. Every little bit will help. I thought maybe people I know might consider donating to a person directly affected by this traumatic event. He’s been a dear friend of mine for 37 years when we met at Castleton State College. Thanks for your consideration. Funds will be used to get him back on the road.