Scott & Michael Hurricane Relief
Donation protected
Our dear friends Scott Watson ('89 Westtown School) and Michael Casey have lost their home and most all belongings from the devastating Hurricane Maria which leveled St. Croix island USVI (their home was the lower level of this photo). The damage on the island is so extensive, they estimate no power for MONTHS, no mail delivery to send them or anyone on the island care packages. For those close to them, or others who want to help, I thought a gofundme would help them get back on their feet (Not knowing what else to do, I asked Scott if I could do this for them and he is so appreciative). The money raised will all go directly to Scott and Michael to do with as they see fit in helping them rebuild their lives.
Scott and his partner Michael, 2 kitties and their dog "Moo" moved to St. Croix recently from Philadelphia, PA to follow their dream. Scott opened a fair trade design and gift shop in downtown Christianshead. Michael (who is one of the kindest, nicest people) became a certified dive instructor at Cane Bay. They adopted two more dogs, "Pinkie" and newest addition, blind puppy "Bo". They were truly settled in just this last month when the shipment of all of their belongings from storage in Philadelphia arrived, and once unpacked and arranged it finally, really felt like home. Most of those treasured belongings are now gone.
During the storm: Scott was trapped in the only room of the house that was not destroyed, with their 5 pets, all terrified, as Scott forced a large dresser against the glass doors and threatening 170mph winds. If the glass broke, who knows if they would have survived. The roof was ripped off, and the structure was literally crumbling around him. Michael was trapped outside in his car, unable to get inside the house as the main door was pinned shut. Neither knew if the other was OK, which to me must have been horrifying :(
At the moment they are safe staying at a friend's dry home with their 5 animals, have food and water and a roof over their heads, but no power or infrastucture on the island. Scott is charging his phone in their car and he is answering texts at the moment. He hasn't even been down to his store, but heard what is left of the downtown has been looted. Update from Michael: "Things are extremely tense here on St Croix. People are fighting in the line for the grocery store. There are military and police presence here. The devastation is substantial on north side drive. Buildings blown apart and transformers, poles, lines down everywhere. No formal assessment has been given at this time. I can imagine we will not have power for months."In the
wake of this tragedy, however, Scott and Michael are both remarkably positive, grateful and focused on the next step which is to try to find a new home and jobs asap.
It is hard to imagine these horrific tragedies when they occur somewhere else, where you have no reference point. I have known Scott since I was 6 years old, we were neighbors, and family, and have remained close for over 40 years. So this feels very close to home. My heart is broken for them and all of those living in the unfortunate paths of these dreaded hurricanes....as are all of our hearts.
The best thing we can do right now is to send money. For those able to give a little or a lot, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as I know Scott and Michael will. I have set the goal for $10,000, it would be wonderful if we could send more. I want to get our donations to them as soon as possible so let's do this.
Thank you so very much.
Abby McClure
Scott and his partner Michael, 2 kitties and their dog "Moo" moved to St. Croix recently from Philadelphia, PA to follow their dream. Scott opened a fair trade design and gift shop in downtown Christianshead. Michael (who is one of the kindest, nicest people) became a certified dive instructor at Cane Bay. They adopted two more dogs, "Pinkie" and newest addition, blind puppy "Bo". They were truly settled in just this last month when the shipment of all of their belongings from storage in Philadelphia arrived, and once unpacked and arranged it finally, really felt like home. Most of those treasured belongings are now gone.
During the storm: Scott was trapped in the only room of the house that was not destroyed, with their 5 pets, all terrified, as Scott forced a large dresser against the glass doors and threatening 170mph winds. If the glass broke, who knows if they would have survived. The roof was ripped off, and the structure was literally crumbling around him. Michael was trapped outside in his car, unable to get inside the house as the main door was pinned shut. Neither knew if the other was OK, which to me must have been horrifying :(
At the moment they are safe staying at a friend's dry home with their 5 animals, have food and water and a roof over their heads, but no power or infrastucture on the island. Scott is charging his phone in their car and he is answering texts at the moment. He hasn't even been down to his store, but heard what is left of the downtown has been looted. Update from Michael: "Things are extremely tense here on St Croix. People are fighting in the line for the grocery store. There are military and police presence here. The devastation is substantial on north side drive. Buildings blown apart and transformers, poles, lines down everywhere. No formal assessment has been given at this time. I can imagine we will not have power for months."In the
wake of this tragedy, however, Scott and Michael are both remarkably positive, grateful and focused on the next step which is to try to find a new home and jobs asap.
It is hard to imagine these horrific tragedies when they occur somewhere else, where you have no reference point. I have known Scott since I was 6 years old, we were neighbors, and family, and have remained close for over 40 years. So this feels very close to home. My heart is broken for them and all of those living in the unfortunate paths of these dreaded hurricanes....as are all of our hearts.
The best thing we can do right now is to send money. For those able to give a little or a lot, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as I know Scott and Michael will. I have set the goal for $10,000, it would be wonderful if we could send more. I want to get our donations to them as soon as possible so let's do this.
Thank you so very much.
Abby McClure
Organizer and beneficiary
Abby McClure
Organizer
Downingtown, PA
Michael Scott Watson
Beneficiary
