Ray's Pizza in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida - Gone!

Hi. My name is Sharon Watkins. I own Chez Zee American Bistro in Austin, Texas. I am fundraising for my friend, Dallas Branch, whose restaurant, Ray's Pizza, was destroyed in Hurricane Ian.

Dallas grew up in Austin, Texas, graduating from Anderson High School and then moving on to Texas Tech in Lubbock, where he learned the restaurant business from the ground up. He bought Ray's Pizza on Crescent Drive in Fort Meyers Beach in 2018. His extensive experience in the restaurant biz helped him create a strong foundation for the famous Ray’s Pizza.

Under his stewardship of, both the pizza style and commitment to community , the restaurant has done well, even during the pandemic.

But,

Dallas never imagined

that his special place

would someday be

a pile of sticks.

His house is gone.

His car is gone.

His employee's houses are gone.

Brenda Branch, Dallas' mother, was the long-time Director of the Austin Public Libraries and lifetime friend, retiring to Fort Meyers to be near her son. Her house was saved, and at the moment, they, family and friends, are all living in her home.

We all have been overwhelmed by the disaster created by Hurricane Ian, but this is a particular way to help.

I lost a house in the Wimberly flood of 2015, so I know the helpless feeling it is to have everything gone. But it was not my livelihood or every single thing I owned.

Dallas will use this money to help his staff and as a bridge as he tries to figure out what to do next.

This is staff member Joe Wilson who rode out the storm on his sailboat where he lived. The boat is gone!

Any amount you can give will mean a lot to me and all of the Ray's Pizza Staff.

As the world moves on, it's easy to forget the disaster in Fort Meyers and its impact on the lives of the residents.

Please pass this along to your network of caring, concerned friends. Donating today is a way to contribute that will DIRECTLY impact the lives of decent, kind folks who can use a helping hand right now!

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR COLLECTIVE HEARTS!

Some photos of the disaster.

Cars piled up by Hurricane Ian.

Some items Dallas has unearthed from Ray's Pizza.

These are old holiday decorations.

Home sweet...?