Our classmate Tom needs our help

Hurricane Michael has left its devastation across the Florida Panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas. By now you may know that one of our Pompano family, Tom Adams and his wife Betty live in the Mexico Beach/Port St Joe area, or what is now referred to as ground zero. Betty was wise enough to evacuate, but Tom remained, hoping to mitigate the damage from the storm. Little did they know a monster was approaching. Miraculously, because their home was on higher ground, their home escaped the major damage that others suffered. But “Captain Tom” who makes his living as a charter boat captain lost both his boats, all three of their vehicles, and suffered damage to a rental property they had. The boats were minimally insured...regardless it will be forever before the charter boat business comes back if ever. Likewise, Betty is a local realtor. With 80% of the area wiped out to the ground, it is unlikely her business will return anytime soon. I can’t imagine starting over from scratch at my age...and yet this is their new reality. I’m asking all who love these friends to please contribute what you can to help them offset some of the short term expenses they will incur in the coming weeks.  I know they will be grateful and so will I.

Update: I’m adding more info to this story per an email from Go Fund Me. They are careful about scams and I’m grateful for that!! So here is the info they need:

1. My name is Bronwyn (Bron) Levine and I currently live in Palm Desert, CA.

2. I’m an old friend of Tom’s since 7th grade. We all grew up in Pompano...I never dated him as he was too short for me () but luckily he met Betty who is a saint among women.

3. Any funds raised will be used by Tom & Betty to help offset immediate expenses resulting from the hurricane, including but not limited to travel, lodging, food, gasoline, repairs to home & vehicles.

4. I am linking these funds to the account that Tom Adams  will provide me which he can then withdraw as needed.