Julie & I have been traveling to Jamaica for many years. We fell in love with the incredible loving people and this beautiful country and wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Julie’s passion for education led us to the Rockhouse Foundation and specifically to Sav Inclusive Academy in Savanna la Mar. In 2021 we made a significant financial contribution to the Rockhouse Foundation to help fund the construction of the school for 10 years to build out the remaining grade levels. In addition, Julie has been providing training to the teachers and children specifically in elementary math. Recently we partnered with the College of Education at NC State University to fund a multi-year program to provide world class training for teachers, staff and families on how to better care for and educate children specifically on the Autism spectrum.

As most of you are aware, Jamaica was hit by one of the most power hurricanes (Mellissa) of all times on October 28, 2025. The town of Savanna la Mar is located about 30 miles west of where the eye wall of the storm hit. Unfortunately, Savanna la Mar and the Sav Inclusive Academy sustained significant damage. Many of the children, staff and teachers lost their homes or their homes suffered significant damage. The rebuilding process is going to take a long time and these families are going to need significant financial help to rebuild their lives and feed their families.

McKee Homes is setting up a Go Fund Me account to raise as much money as possible for the Rockhouse Foundation for their relief efforts. The Rockhouse Foundation is a registered Jamaican charity and a New York–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is the Foundation that Julie & I have made our personal financial contributions to and one we have gotten to know and trust. Please consider making a donation through this Go Fund Me Account today. Any contribution amount is important and keep in mind that a $1 in Jamaica goes a lot further than it does in the US. Julie & I along with Mike & Joanne McKee and McKee Homes have agreed to match all total donations made up to $50,000 for this fundraiser. Please help us reach our personal goal of contributing $100,000 in the next few weeks.

If you are uncomfortable with donating thru the Go Fund Me link please mail a check to the attention of Pat McKee at McKee Homes 4208 Six Forks Rd Suite 810 Raleigh, NC 27609. Please make the check out to “Rockhouse Foundation”.