My hart and prayers go out to the people of Utica. The tornado damaged most of the downtown area, with some deaths. Utica is home to Cajun bait shop. If i hear anything else i'll post here.

I talked to Buster's Wife. The Bait shop is ok but, 1 block north the buildings are demolised.

Thanks for the report. This is a sad day for those folks and am thankful the Cajun made it through.

Kristine.
Is there any way us MWCer's can take up
Collection for the people of Utica'ILL?
I will gladly make a donation.

Schmitty

Smitty - the local Red Cross Chapter has started a website: starvedrockrelief.org for anyone wishing to donate to the families. There are also some pics on the site. Sadly, SVBC lost one of their own during the storm....Wayne Ball. Any of you who docked your boats at the club probably knew him...he was the guy that was always there at 5AM to open up and get the coffee on. He will be greatly missed.

Thanks for thinking of us here in "the Illinois Valley".

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Spring Valley Boat Club,

Let me check on how we'd go about collections to help out. Just back from vacation today -- so will look into it.

So sorry to hear of this tragedy.

Kristine

I'm meeting with our CFO on Monday to firm this all up. But the good news is that we will not only accept MWC members contributions that want to group together on behalf of MWC and send to the local community for the needs as they see fit -- but MWC will match all members contributions to the cause. (up to $1000)

On Monday I'll know how we want you to make out checks, if we'll be able to take credit cards, etc. But I am very pleased that we are able to not only help coordinate -- but add to the efforts of our MWC members.

Kristine

We'll be cutting a check for over $2205; $1000 will be matching funds as we raised $1205 from members. Thank you for your generosity.

From here on in -- if you want to send your own donations, please send directly to:

Illinois Valley Red Cross DR #699
1605 4th Street
Peru, IL 61354

Thanks to all who made donations. Your generosity is appreciated and certainly will help this community in their efforts to re-build.

Rec'd a nice letter from the American Red Cross -- Illinois Valley Chapter, dated June 23, 2004.

It reads:

The American Red Cross is grateful to those who step forward to aid others during their times of greatest need. I wish to thank you for your recent gift of $2205 donated to support the Northern Illinois Tornado Fund of the Red Cross.

Your generosity enables us to continue fulfilling our promise to be there for the American people whenever and wherever disaster strikes, and to assist the recovery effort for as long as we are needed.

To date the numbers for the Northern Illinois Torando relief effort add up to the following:

95 cases opened, 357 Disaster Health Services and 532 Disaster Mental Health contacts made, 315 Local Disaster Volunteers utilized, and nearly 33,500 meals or snacks served. The estimated cost of this relief operation is estimated to run well over $130,000. Keep in mind that it is due to the hard work of disaster volunteers from all over the state that the cost of this operation is not much higher than this. Your donated dollars stretch farther due to their deduction.

Thank you again for your generous support. Your contribution has enabled the victims of the Northern Illinois tornadoes to begin rebuilding their lives.

Together, we can save a life.

Kind regards,

Sara Stasik
Executive Director