little falls, nj

It was a beautiful day, the first day of Spring 2010. Clear sky, warm temperatures, the type of day we all wait for in the Northeast, especially after the hard winter we just went through. Unfortunately for river towns across this area, the spring meltdown mixed with the rainy season swells rivers and creeks beyond their capacity, flooding homes and devastating thousands.

This was the case for Little Falls, NJ along the Passaic River. This town isn't new to the flooding experience but with the lack of support from first responding agencies, they were left in a lurch, badly unprepared for cleaning up more than 400 homes that were affected.

I started following this story last week and reached out to Emergency Manager, Fred Patelli. Fred is in charge of 3 communities in NJ, covering 1000 homes. I could tell that Fred had been through this before, he knew what was coming and what he needed to help the residents he watched over. The problem was the lack of supplies that were available. Fred informed me that he ordered 1000 clean-up kits from the Red Cross but they could only confirm 500 and they wouldn't be able to deliver until 3 days after residents were let back into their homes. A delay in clean-up only adds to further problems, when things are wet and can't be removed, mold quickly sets in. Knowing their situation, Each One for US All sparked to action.

The goal was to purchase materials and get them to Little Falls when the residents were allowed to return, that way they could hit the ground running to remove the water and clean up what was left behind. This is a tedious task that's compounded by the overall feeling of loss. Tensions run high but you trudge on because you must. I would have loved to supply these people with everything they needed but I knew that doing something was better than doing nothing. My purchases would be driven by my general fund of donations and hopefully new giving by sharing the story.

I was directed by Emergency Management in Little Falls of their most important needs, 4 necessary items, bleach, gloves, spray bottles and contractor bags. I immediately reached out to suppliers for pricing and availability. Our funds enabled us to derive 100 kits and more importantly the ability to get the supplies to those who needed them by Saturday morning, the day of their return. I secured a van, picked up the materials and drove them out to Little Falls by 10:00AM on the first day of Spring.

The arrival into Little Falls was an eerie reminder of the floods in my hometown of Yardley. Floods of this magnitude are usually from heavy rains days before. It takes time for the water to travel from its sources and wreak its havoc. Every flood I've experienced has been on a beautiful day. Ironic I guess, here's a beautiful day, great that you have it because you're going to have to evacuate your home,,, oh and in a few days you're going to have to drag out your destroyed items and place them on your front lawn for disposal. Disasters, for lack of any better word that says it all,,, suck. Believe me, they do.

On our arrival, we were greeted by a wonderful group of volunteers, boy scout troops and residents from surrounding areas were there to pitch in. They quickly formed an assembly line at the back of our van and emptied it in no time, loading their trailer to deliver the supplies. I joined in for a brief time and then went to view the source of the destruction, the Passaic River.

I must admit that I was more than just a little shocked when I got onto a bridge that led into Little Falls crossing the Passaic. I just left an area where the waters receded and people were cleaning up but looking down the river and along its banks I could see at least 30 homes still underwater. I couldn't believe a week after the flooding began that this was still a factor but there it was right in front of my eyes.


The realization that hit me then made it very clear that these people were far from being back to normal. In fact for all we did, we only really scratched the surface. I am hoping with more awareness we will drive more funding for the people of Little Falls, this is a community that is not even close to being out of the woods and one that could really use a break.

DD

here we go again?

As the threat of the rising Delaware River starts to circulate in the area newspapers it's only a matter of time before some familiar fixtures start to show up in Yardley, PA.Today is Friday, March 12th 2010 and all reports once again show that the combination of packed melting snow and heavy rains will provide Southeastern PA with its share of flooding this weekend through Tuesday of next week. News media vans like the one pictured will surely be showing up over the course of the weekend to provide the story to the world about the river-towns and the pending doom for residents.
Being a resident of this community myself and having gone through 3 floods during 2004 - 2006, I can tell you I'm a little on edge. Every past event has taken on a similar pattern that starts with news vans and ends with tragedy. Today, Yardley is different from 2006. There have been many homes elevated in the low lying areas of the Borough but without a solution to control the river water and especially how it interacts with the Delaware Canal, still leaves hundreds in fear of major losses.
I do realize the importance of telling the stories on the news about the floods but being through this before I know only too well what will be next if the river reaches that stage. And that's an added level of anxiety that we can all do without.I will keep you posted as this unfolds and keep my fingers crossed that we don't get to the next level.

DD

five dollars

Yesterday I was greeted at my PO Box by a little envelope. I was especially taken by this envelope for a few reasons. First, the name on the sweet return address label with the a flower on it was unfamiliar. Secondly, the Bart Simpson stamp. I admit, I'm a sucker for the Simpson's. There's just something about that cartoon family, especially Bart that I feel connected to. I'm smiling just thinking about them and their wonderful, loving dysfunction. Last but not least was the underside of the envelope. The flap was securely closed by moistening the glue in some way but an extra step of adding a two inch strip of scotch tape across the pointy end as to insure added security showed me how important this envelope was to the person who was sending it. I opened the envelope to reveal a check with a donation of five dollars made out to Each One for US All.

Now keep in mind, I never heard of the name on the envelope before, I searched high and low for connections to it but didn't find a thing. I can only imagine who these kind folks are that chose to contribute something to a cause they somehow found out about. Judging from what I have, the envelope and the donation itself, I couldn't help but conjure up an image of who they are. You know when you've heard about someone you never met or talk to someone on the phone without seeing a face? You can't help but imagine what they look like. So in my head is my vision of who they are and more importantly what they chose to do.

No matter what they look like, what they have or where they're from is really irrelevant to me. For me, it's the act of caring that inspires. To take the time to write a check, address an envelope and pop it in the mail for the benefit of someone less fortunate shows that these folks have wisdom. The wisdom to know that no matter what your situation is or what you are living without, there's always someone somewhere in worse shape than you.

It's funny, a year ago I would've never imagined being so inspired by five dollars. I might not know what their faces look like but I can see the size of their hearts and I thank them for reminding me what this is all about.

DD

i'm just going to say it

Each One for US All needs your help in adding some new members to our existing Board of Directors. Don't think you can help?? I KNOW YOU CAN.
Everybody has a connection or two that demonstrates the characteristics of a born leader. It could be a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor. There is someone in your life that inspires you to action. Not because you have to, because you want to.
Think about the people you know that seem to know everyone in your community or your industry. The people that draw you in and have that way of making you take note of the things they are saying. The folks who get things done no matter how impossible the task may seem.
Do you volunteer for another organization? Who was the person that got you involved? Maybe they would be interested. Are you close to a high profile individual or someone involved in philanthropy?

Maybe the person is staring back at you in the mirror. Do you believe in what Each One for US All has set out to do? Do you think you can inspire others to get involved in our cause and support the organization?

If you think you are connected to someone who fits the bill or if you think you're that someone, please let me know. I'm always looking for the input of others to make this the organization everything I know it can be.

There it is,,, I said it.

DD

a night of change

A founder of a nonprofit organization walks into a bar with twenty balloons in one hand and a basket containing a bird house and a duck in the other,,, the bartender says.....

Each One for US All has officially put its first fund-raising event in the books. The night was filled with friends, food and most of all FUN, all for a great cause, to support others in need. The Pines Tavern of Bristol, PA was the backdrop for the event, owned by my good friend and neighbor Larry Warren. Larry along with his entire staff made sure all were taken care of and provided me with some much needed stress reduction as the start of the event drew closer. Larry has a way of doing that, he's one of those positive forces you're lucky to stumble upon. Never does he have a bad word to say about anything and his relaxed demeanor just rubs off on you and sets you at ease.

We had some great support from local businesses and friends around the area who were kind enough to donate some fantastic items for our silent auction. We received sports memorabilia from the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, gift cards from local shops and restaurants, beautiful jewelry and a last minute guitar which took in the largest donation of the night. (Thank you Jim Donahue, for reaching out and for your generosity, the SVK Les Paul was beautiful, I owe you one my friend.)
We topped off the evening with a 50/50 drawing that the winner donated back to Each One without hesitation (Cary, Steve said it best, you are a mensch.)

A Saturday night of fun combined with awareness that raises money for others in need is a success as far as I'm concerned. What I take from it is what inspires me most. As people, we do want to help others, it's our nature. I thank all of you who joined in on inspiring me once again by showing how we are there for each other.

DD

giving, without spending a dime

Check this out. http://www.igive.com/welcome/warm_reg_promo.cfm?c=54943 

Search engines can help nonprofits. They're everywhere and I've subscribed to all of them. Why wouldn't I? Things exist to help the nonprofit world?? I'm there!! Support from folks like you is the only way this organization can help others, plain and simple.

The organization, iGive, is hooked up with hundreds of shopping sites and they're having a challenge. Here's what I received in an email:

SPECIAL CHALLENGE NOTIFICATION
The 24 hour, $1 per new member special challenge begins Wednesday, February
24, 2010 at noon Chicago time.
For each person who joins iGive using the special link below AND visits a
participating iGive store
(there are over 700 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle, eBay to HSN and QVC) at
iGive) via iGive
between noon, Wednesday February 24, 2010 and 11:59 a.m., Thursday,
February 25, 2010,
we'll give Each One for US All a dollar. 
- Once we've given away $5,000 to all causes combined, the offer ends.
     - The special link is important.  No link, no $1.
     - Visiting a store via iGive is crucial.  No visiting a store via
iGive, no $1. (PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU DON'T VISIT A STORE, NO DONATION)

Here's the link - http://www.igive.com/welcome/warm_reg_promo.cfm?c=54943
Let's see what we can do.

DD

P.S. Of course if you do decide to spend more than a dime at one of the stores, all the better for Each One. If you shop online, why not support a cause?

"the good stuff" Part 1

Today I am starting something new on Each Word for US All. I was inspired by a comment from a follower and I really like the idea. When it comes to the nonprofit world and especially the disaster relief portion of that world, I sometimes find myself waist deep in stories of tragedy and suffering. This is my gig and my choice, I knew what was out there and that feeds my passion for the change I'm trying to accomplish. A huge part of my job is to inform my supporters and prospective supporters of those tragedies and need, to inspire the change that's needed. The drawback is the constant exposure of bad news that I sort through daily,,, that can be tough on anybody.

One thing I've noticed over the course of the last eight months is a silver lining. I've found, while sorting through the reports of tragedy, there are stories of good that sometimes make their way to certain headlines. I admit, these stories aren't as easy to find as the stories of suffering but they're out there if you spend enough time looking. I find these insights inspirational and I have decided to share a story a week with you in honor of these groups and individuals who are taking a passion to create a change they feel is needed.

With the world in the middle of the Winter Olympics right now, I felt it was very fitting to share this article I 

found on the athletes who use this surge into the spotlight to help others. 

Check it out here - http://bit.ly/bb76lM

It's all very inspiring when you think about the dedication to what they are trying to accomplish in the Olympics alone. I think when you add this additional level of commitment to what they already do, it really demonstrates the overall definition of a "hero" in my mind. Congratulations to all the athletes taking that extra step to bring awareness and to inspire others. You all win gold in the eyes of the organizations and the individuals you have chosen to help.

Like I said, I have decided to add a story like this to share on a weekly basis. Have you stumbled upon articles like this you'd like to share? If so, send them my way, I'll be glad to take a moment for a little inspirational boost and share your story with others.

DD

come and get em

T-Shirts? We got em and you can have em too. Men's sizes small, medium, large and x-large. All donations at www.eachoneforusall.org of $40.00 or more will get you yours. Please indicate your size in the comments section on the donation page.

Want one for FREE? Check out my post, "blowing out the candles" and find out how.

Thanks to my favorite little model who had a lot of fun helping her Daddy today.

DD

reaction to proaction

I think I'm going to let my home owners, flood and automobile insurance run out. That slow leak in my front tire, the screech from my brake pads and that crunching sound in my transmission will surely fix itself. I refuse to wear a seat-belt, eat right, exercise or pay my bills. Brush my teeth, forget about it, what for?? I am going to walk around flaunting huge amounts of cash in some of the most crime ridden areas in the country and yes,,, I am going to run with scissors.

Kidding of course... This behavior would be looked at as irresponsible. We take proactive and preventative measures everyday so we're not hit with unexpected costs and so bigger and more serious things won't happen down the line. Fact is, we don't even tend to question these measures. We understand the concepts and have all walked down the path of learning the hard way at least once in our lives.

However, when it comes to dealing with natural disasters, we are for the most part, reactive. How much do you respond after an event hits the headlines? How much money did you give after Hurricane Katrina, the Indonesian Tsunami and the recent earthquake in Haiti? Now I'm not minimizing the need for funds and support immediately after a tragedy strikes. I just feel as a society we need to put more focus on preventative measures to lessen the affects when a tragedy strikes. Much like we do with so many other things in our lives.
 
I can't help but think that if we applied this train of thought and funding to the deteriorating levees, a better warning system and a hurting infrastructure before the tragedies struck, we would have saved so much money, so much pain and so many lives.

DD

As always, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts so,,, don't be shy.

blowing out the candles

Today, February 15th, 2010, President's Day and the day before my 44th birthday. Tonight I'll hear the familiar question from my wife. "Anything you need to get done while you're 43?" I know it's coming so I've thought about it and here's what it is.
I need to get some feedback and I'm asking for your help. If you're reading this right now, you've probably read a post or two before and I'd like to hear your thoughts. Now I'm not asking for a pat on the back, I've received those in the past and they feel good but it's not what I'm looking for. What I'm asking from you is to:
1. Take a moment to look at www.eachoneforusall.org
2. Think about what you see there and what you've seen here previously. Maybe even check back on an archived post or two that caught your eye.
3. Give me some honest feedback about your overall impression of what we are and what we're trying to do.

Do you truly understand what we're trying to accomplish? Does the overall impression leave you confused about our goals? Do you have any suggestions to make things better?

From day one, I have made it very clear that this blog would be a journal of my experiences while going through the process of developing this nonprofit. Comments have always been welcome and appreciated but I guess I just never really asked for your opinion. Well, now I am because as I've said before, "I can only make this venture truly work if I continue to learn from others." You are the others I was referring to so let your voice be heard.

Being it's my birthday, I will be giving out gifts. For each person kind enough to give me some feedback, I will be glad to send you an Each One for US All T-Shirt, free of charge. Just email me your address and your choice of men's size, small, medium, large or x-large at info@eachoneforusall.org and I'll get one out to you to wear proudly.

DD

you need him

That's what it said, plain and simple in an email. "you need him". They're right, the star power of today's celebrities bring awareness and hundreds of millions of dollars to help people in need. Check it out here - http://bit.ly/alXi8Z

An impressive list to say the least and this article was created before the Haiti tragedy of late. I'm sure ol' George would be higher on the list today with his recent efforts.

This whole dynamic is extremely interesting to me because it's brought about by human nature. Fact is, the initial concept of
Each One for US All was born after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Everyday it seemed a celebrity from the movies or from professional sports was bringing awareness by donating money or joining in by rolling up their sleeves to help. Sean Penn actually made a documentary of his efforts. Of course it was wildly criticized, claiming he did it for his own publicity. But no matter what the agenda, it brought awareness to the tragedy. Are his actions any different from a celebrity openly donating a million dollars? I guess you could look at that as a publicity stunt as well. Myself? I don't see the difference. The awareness these folks bring to a need just draws in more donations and actions from folks like us. That's a good thing no matter what the motive.

In conversations I have with people about Each One, sometimes that's the first thing they say. "You know what you need"? "You need someone like Bruce Springsteen". Let's think about that for sec, shall we?
If someone like Bruce or any other celebrity jumped on board, would the focus from my standpoint of this cause be any different? Would it change the need that's out there for the forgotten communities still suffering from a past natural disaster? The answer is "no" to both points but the human nature that kicks in when it comes to star power, somehow changes everything and makes things more important.

So do I need him? You're damn right I do. I can be easily reached, so don't hold back. If you know him, give him my number.

DD

believe

I have a lot of respect for the individuals before me and standing with me who have made the decision to do something different. Something new and uncharted, something to shake things up. To pluck an idea from nothing and make it a reality could possibly be the most draining thing one can put themselves through. To lay it on the line and not waiver from your convictions sets you up to be seen differently. Some don't understand it and never will. Others give you that smile and tell you how they will help, just to forget about their promise the moment you walk away. Then there are some you truly touch and they show it for no other reason but belief in what you're trying to accomplish.

To believe is not a new concept but something I feel strongly about. People generally have a belief of some sort that they run their lives by. It may be religious or based on an experience but it usually guides them through their day-to-day lives and lives in the background of their every thought and decision. I can remember years ago shouting "BELIEVE"! from the bleachers at my oldest daughters softball games. I saw how the players were empowered to forge ahead and to accomplish what they may have thought was lost. They embraced the word and the thought and incorporated it on T-Shirts and signs and chants from the dugout. It brought a feeling of power that kept their chins up. Still coaching with my son and my youngest daughter today, I still shout that word because I feel without it you can't accomplish a thing.

The dreamers of yesterday inspire me today and part of their legacy will be their belief in making a change. As much as I am thankful for the people who confirm my belief with belief of their own, I am just as thankful for the ones who don't. These are the folks that continue to make me think and question my own beliefs. It brings me back to my reasons and my convictions and furthers my belief in making others believe.
Believe it,,, or not.

DD

getting it

Yesterday, The Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia hosted an event for charities in the area. They have made a conscious decision to support nonprofits and local charities with a presence in their establishment on Friday nights combined with the local music scene. I saw it firsthand a few weeks back when I saw a friends band play there. I really like what they are doing and look forward to working with them. I met some great people involved with other charities giving me priceless insight on the challenges they are facing with donors, corporate sponsorships and events. It also gave me a new audience to discuss my organization and what we're all about.
 
You see, I get really excited when I'm talking to somebody about this organization, That moment when they get it. When they can see the difference I'm trying to bring to the table.

When they understand I support the Red Cross for being a tried and trusted first-responder and I'm not trying to be them.

When they see I'm not bashing the government for what I see as limitations to what they can do.

When I mention Katrina and they think back to what happened to New Orleans years ago and more importantly when they think about New Orleans today and they see how much still needs to be done.

That's when  it starts getting clearer. That's when I can tell them stories about places like LaPorte, Indiana, Cedar Rapids, IA, DeKalb County, GA and even in my hometown of Yardley, PA. Places you would refer to as Anytown, USA, where people, are still suffering from a disaster that happened years ago.
 
Then, they realize that first-responders are busy dealing with a new tragedy in a new town and FEMA takes time reviewing mitigation plans.

That's when the problem slaps them in the face. It's the gap that occurs for so many between disaster and recovery. The gap that encompasses thousands, and it's everywhere in this country. And then,, they really get what I'm trying to do. Fill that gap and find out what caused that gap. Take care of those in that gap so they can get back to normal and find solutions so it isn't so extreme the next time. To find and support a solution so it doesn't happen again, ever.
   
I thank the Hard Rock for the opportunity yesterday, they made it a great day for me as well as the nonprofit community in general. They are taking a stand for the good of those in need and following up with real support. They get it.

DD
 

Obama signs Haiti aid bill http://ping.fm/3lNNs

Each One Helps Haiti

Each One for US All is proud to support the efforts of 2 International Organizations with their relief in Haiti, click here to learn more.
http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?

Americares and CHF International have commited to assist after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last week, affecting thousands in this already struggling country.  Each One for US All has chosen to partner with both of these organizations because they are highly rated on Charity Navigator with many years of history helping Haiti. They are also dedicated to staying in Haiti to find solutions and help rebuild for a better tomorrow. These are the same objectives of Each One in this country.

Here's how you can donate now and help those in need.

• Donations with all major credit cards will be accepted through our website at http://www.eachoneforusall.org/. Just click the "Donate Now" button on any page and be sure to type Each One Helps Haiti in the comments section. All donated funds, minus transaction charges will help our partner organizations make a difference.

• You can also donate with your PayPal account through our listing on Guidestar http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/27-0366439/each-one-us-all.aspx

• Donate membership rewards points through our partnership with American Express http://amex.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=27-0366439

• Spread the word by forwarding the information to "friends" for the new Cause "Each One Helps Haiti" on Facebook.

Please remember, help is not just appreciated when it has dollar signs attached to it. You can visit a local branch of an international relief organization helping those in Haiti and just ask what you can do. They can always use a hand packing up supplies to help others on location. You can also do a huge bit of help by telling others about the causes you're supporting. Utilize all the great forms of social media we have today and keep the momentum rolling.

DD

mother nature strikes again

With the recent disaster in Haiti, I can't help but think about those who have lost their lives and loved ones. Mother Nature doesn't seem to have a conscience when it comes to disasters, there are always victims. They are in my thoughts and I've donated to Oxfam International to help with the support they are carrying out.
Just think about this, here is a country that was hit by 4 hurricanes in the span of 30 days in 2008. And this was serious stuff, about 60% of their harvests were destroyed and entire cities were uninhabitable. Now this earthquake with death tolls estimated at 50,000,,, this is a country that could use a break. Problem is, their geographical location makes them prone to such events. They will keep coming, you can't stop it.

With that in mind, I am puzzled. You can't avoid seeing the outpouring of financial support that is being collected for this country. However, reports show that relief organizations can't even get in to help the suffering. This is one of the poorest countries in the world and with that comes the inability to build the countries infrastructure properly. The ports and roads they had for others to get in were already a mess, now it's even worse.

Why I'm puzzled is that here's a country with history of devestating events, billions of dollars donated for relief over the years and there doesn't seem to be a focus on rebuilding differently to help alleviate the devestation that is going to happen. I realize that we must be reactive to a natural disaster but I for one feel that much more focus needs to be on preparing for such events. Right now is the time for these organizations and supporting countries to be proactive to events in the future.

Like I said, I don't think you will ever stop these events from happening but I have to believe it would better serve the people of Haiti to invest in a plan so when things happen, they won't be as extreme.

DD

2010 Challenge for those in need

I wanted to let everyone know about the new campaign for Each One for US All. We have developed the 2010 Challenge. Simple in its approach, 20,000 people donate $10.00 and suddenly we have a HUGE impact to those still suffering from a natural disaster. Hearing and seeing so much about the power of social media in todays world, I've decided to put it through the test. Here's the link for more information:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/427046/51560030?m=71bb3202

I urge everyone to take a look and spread the word, with the ease of communication at our fingertips, there is no reason we shouldn't achieve our goal. I thank you all in advance for your support.

DD