My name is Rebecca Benedict, and I’m asking for help for my sweet dog, <strong>Charlie Bear</strong>, my 4-year-old Pomeranian. On July 15, what should have been his 4th birthday turned into one of the hardest days of our lives. Instead of celebrating, Charlie Bear spent his birthday in the animal hospital, where he was diagnosed with diabetes and hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis. I truly thought I might lose him. After everything he has already been through, including being rehomed to me after not having the care he deserved, seeing him so sick and fighting for his life was heartbreaking. 
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 His hospitalization and vet bills have already exceeded $10,000, and his journey is far from over. Charlie Bear now needs insulin shots twice a day, special Glycobalance food, and continued medical care to help get his blood sugar under control. My greatest hope is that with the right treatment, he can live a more normal, happy life and have the second chance he deserves. Any support for Charlie Bear’s recovery would mean the world to us, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for helping my little boy keep fighting and giving him a chance at a happy life.

Help Charlie Bear Fight Diabetes

<div><strong>Help Rebuild Jamaica, After Hurricane Melissa!</strong>
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<div>Hi, my name is Nicole. I was born and raised in the beautiful community of Sav-La-Mar , Westmoreland, Jamaica — a place I proudly called home until I migrated. My roots, my memories, and my family are all still there. Every year, I return to visit loved ones and reconnect with the community that shaped who I am today. This cause is deeply personal to me, and my heart aches to see the devastation Hurricane Melissa has brought to the people and places I hold so dear.
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<div>On October 28, 2025, <strong>Hurricane Melissa — a powerful Category 5 hurricane</strong> tore through the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, leaving behind unimaginable destruction. Homes were flattened, crops washed away, and families are now left homeless, hungry, and desperate for basic necessities.
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<div>My vibrant community is now facing a <strong>humanitarian crisis</strong>. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and many are struggling to find food, clean water, clothing, and shelter. Electricity and road access remain limited in all areas, and many families have lost everything they owned overnight.
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<div><strong>I am asking for your help to bring relief and hope to the people of Westmoreland.</strong>
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<div>Your donation — no matter the amount — will make a direct difference. Funds and supplies will go toward:
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<li><strong>Food and clean drinking water for displaced families</strong>
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<li><strong>Essential supplies like clothing, toiletries, and bedding</strong>
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<li><strong>Temporary housing materials for those who lost their homes</strong>
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<div><strong>Every act of kindness helps us get one step closer to rebuilding lives.</strong>
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<div>Please donate or share this campaign to help Westmoreland rise again.
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<div>Every contribution matters. Every share spreads hope.
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<div>Thank you!
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Support Westmoreland Families Devastated by Hurricane

<div>The <a href="https://leelanau1776barn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iconic "Bicentennial Barn" murals</a> located near Good Harbor Beach in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore is in drastic need of restoration. A grassroots effort is underway to preserve this important landmark.  <a href="https://glenarborsun.com/i-know-this-place-stones-buy-iconic-bicentennial-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bicentennial Barn/Property owner Scott Stone</a> is residing part-time at location during the project and foundation-up restoration of the original farmhouse.
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<div>The barn exterior paint and art that was last completed in 2005 is faded and peeling. The vision is to repaint the barn starting in September of this year, ahead of next year’s 250th independence anniversary, with the original art and potentially another mural of a Leelanau County map on the south barn side, similar to the original 1976 mural of County.
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<div>The plan also includes painting of the roof in order to extend its life (like the Poor Barn project completed in 2021). The homeowners would like to rekindle the spirit of community involvement with the barn mural restoration; similar to the original project completed just prior to the Bicentennial in 1976.
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<div><strong>Follow our story and the project here: </strong><a href="https://leelanau1776barn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Leelanau1776Barn</strong></a><strong>.org </strong>
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Rebecca Benedict