YOUR Dominican Republic Relief Fund

Every charter season we ask our guests if they each would donate just $1 to help very very poor families that we know if the Dominican Republic.  And whatever monies we collect at the end of the season Thomas and I match that amount.  Then when we are back in the Dominican Republic we give directly to those people that have the greatest need.  We do let the families know that this financial help came from all the great people that have sailed with us.  Since we did not visit in 2014 we had funds from 2014 and 2015 to help people.

A large part of the donations went to help a family that had a terrible tragedy.  Our beautiful friend Delania, a 46 year old wife, mother and new grandmother, was having her jaw operated on and during the operation she started having seizures, her heart stopped, and she quit breathing.  They got her heart started and her breathing again but this episode has left her in a coma.  This happened 10 months ago and she still has not woken up.  The family’s health insurance was not adequate to even begin to cover the medical expenses.  So through the generosity of the Relief Fund we were able to help the initial financial burden.  Delania’s husband is caring for her in their home and every day we pray that she will wake up.  I have attached a picture of Delania and her husband at a graduation ceremony several years ago.

We were also able to help with simple gifts as a cooking skillet, coloring books and crayons, and money to help some families buy basic supplies and food.

We thank each and every one of you that have contributed to help us help them.  Not one penny goes anywhere other than directly in the hands of people that need it the most.  We will continue to do this with our charter guests for the 2016 season. Through all of our efforts together we are making a positive difference!

Thank you ~

Captain Thomas & Linda