Support Dave's Recovery from Hurricane Helene

I have started this “gofundme” account to raise money for David Beamer in Steinhatchee, Florida. My dear friend, Dave, is a Vietnam Veteran and lives on a very fixed income. His home was completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

The storm surge lifted his singlewide mobile home off its foundation and floated it a 1/4 mile down the road. Nothing in the home could be saved. The mobile home was battered and ended up twisted around a tree. In addition, his car was flooded. He needs help... but will not ask for it. All donations will be put directly into his checking account.

I have gotten to know Dave over the past two years because he lives next door to my friend. We shared meals, had a few beers, laughed, listened to his tunes , and talked about his unique fishing village of Steinhatchee.

Dave is a wonderful storyteller, and he has many colorful tales from his seven decades of life. I have gathered that family is very important to him. Dave grew up on the Pacific Coast and spent his childhood in California and Hawaii. His large family spent time living on a sailboat his father built. They were avid fishermen, divers, and hunters.

In the '70s, he did a tour in Vietnam. He returned to the States and lived In California and Hawaii before moving to Florida. Dave had a wallpapering business which took him all over our State as well as many hotels in the Caribbean.

When he retired to Steinhatchee, he found a community that he loved. He fit in perfectly and made a small home for himself. Every square inch inside was covered with memories of family and art he has created over the years.

What stood out was his new passion for creating art from cedar. He was so excited about this new phase of his life. The exterior of the home showcased all types of sea creatures inspired by his love of the water. Before Helene he typically spent 8 hours a day working on each new piece.

Being close to the public boat ramp allowed him to sell his sea creatures to fishermen and scallopers. He basically had drive by exposure. This invigorated him and gave him new purpose. I wanted to help promote this new found passion by creating signs and social media for him. Unfortunately his life has been turned upside down. There is nothing left to promote.

Thankfully there is much needed Hurricane Relief being offered with more to come. His application is in with FEMA for temporary housing, and currently he is staying in his neighbor's hurricane-battered trailer.

Dave has lost everything! That is his home, automobile, clothing, all personal belongings, numerous family photos, his music collection, art created by his parents, and all of his woodworking tools, paints, stains—everything he holds dear and needs for daily life.

Please donate anything you can to help Dave get his life back on track from this unfortunate disaster. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose everything you have in one night. My hope that this Fundraiser will help him purchase every day essentials, clothing, and tools for his cedar sea art.

Thank you for your time, donations, and words of encouragement .....they are sincerely appreciated.

To View Dave's art please follow the link to You Tube Video below: