Dear Family and Friends,

When I was seven years old, I was introduced to Jamaican culture through a dear friend of my mom’s. That early experience sparked a deep love, respect, and appreciation for a culture that has shaped my life. Jamaica isn’t just a place I visit — it feels like a second home. It is my happy place, where I’ve been welcomed for over 25 years with warmth, laughter, sweet reggae music, shared homemade meals, and a vibrancy of spirit unlike anywhere else in the world. Its natural beauty — the turquoise waters, lush hillsides, and peaceful beaches — has always felt healing and grounding to me.

Hurricane Melissa has left a devastating impact across the island. Although many organizations are providing disaster relief, there are still countless people who have not yet received any help.

I’m launching this fundraiser to provide food, clean water, basic supplies, and rebuilding support for my friends and their communities who are in need. If Jamaica has ever touched your life — even from afar — I’m asking you to stand with me now, as the holidays approach, to help bring comfort and hope.

Fifty percent of the funds raised will go directly to friends in need, and the remaining fifty percent will be split equally between World Central Kitchen and the Rockhouse Foundation in Negril.

Thank you for helping lift up a place and a people who mean so much to me.

ONE LOVE,

Avra