Good day, fellow TTOL'ers. There have obviously been many, many opportunities come online to help the BVI's recover from Irma. I hope they are all successfully collecting funds from throughout the world, and (most importantly) I hope those funds make it into the hands of the people who need it the most.
Those of you who are regulars on TTOL know Gumption's name and reputation. As the owner of Sea It Clear Tours, many of you may have toured Eustacia Sound on his glass bottom boat, or you may have been lucky to register for a Nature Tour on Necker Island to see the lemurs, tortoises, and flamingoes. But you will also know that he's always been in "business for good". At the best of times, he always gave deep to support the local Virgin Gorda community including the schools, Cancer Society, youth programs, and much more. As someone who works in small business, I've often thought Gumption gives TOO MUCH to others (and not enough to save for himself), but he would hate to hear me say that.
I met Gumption in late 2013 as he was starting his business, and then later helped him when Sea It Clear was having some website problems. That has turned into a 4-year friendship. Although I only get to see him for a couple of days every year or two, he and I exchange messages weekly if not daily.
Like so many, I was concerned when he went offline for a few days after the hurricane. But I was relieved to get word from him yesterday for the first time. True to his spirit, he has been on the streets helping others all day. He lost his entire house, but he said he is committed to helping 10 people rebuild before he worries about himself. He is happy living in a tent or with others until he sees his community improve. He is the real deal.
I told him that I would help begin raising funds to support all of his efforts, which will be a long, long road. We totally understand that it's too early in this chaotic state to figure out how to get this cash in his hands, where to spend it, and such. But I can guarantee that 100% of these funds will get in Gumption's hands, and 100% of that money will be used by him to help the people on Virgin Gorda.
While you can find his GoFundMe page directly at
https://www.gofundme.com/gumptions-bvi-recovery-fund , you will also find it is on his website to show legitimacy of the campaign -
http://www.seaitcleartours.com Please GIVE and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! This is a small world when you share within your social networks and Gumption needs a lot of support.
Best,
Kevin Bresser, aka TackingAg
Austin, TX
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