Help Chef Julia Feed St. Martin

After Hurricane Luis destroyed Konga Cafe in 1995, owner/chef Julia Purkis opened her home to help sustain the devastated people of St. Martin, feeding all who came to her door.

Julia went on to open the Loterie Farm Hidden Forest Cafe  and for years, thousands have enjoyed her creations and written many accolades , including Frommers, New York Times and Toronto Star.

Julia has built an incredible reputation with the local and international community alike with her indomitable spirit and work ethic. She has the ability to create something from nothing with her talents and passion.

Hurricane Irma has destroyed everything on St. Martin, including Julia's home and work place. Julia, her partner Pete Hodge, his mother Monica Hodge and Julia's daughter Nicola Hughes are determined to stay and be part of the necessary work to rebuild their only home and beloved island.

Not having insurance means that every aspect of rebuilding their community comes from all people of the community, both local and international, hence this fundraiser.

Julia is doing what she does best: organizing and feeding as many people as she can with limited supplies. She needs to continue but with the devastation and limited resources there is only so much she can do.

Please consider donating what you can to help support the people of St. Martin through Julia's nourishment. She will use part of the funds to rebuild her and her family’s life and the rest to help rebuild their community by filling one empty belly at a time, reaffirming that it takes a village to survive; no one does it alone.