Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund

It is always nice to hear from the folks who have helped in our efforts, but especially heartwarming are the words of gratitude from the families we've helped. Here are a few of the many things we've heard since Hurricane Katrina made landfall.

I would like to tell you about an amazing group of people, whose school pride can make great changes in a community, 21 years later.
I am a graduate of the Class of 1984 of Slidell High School located in Slidell, Louisiana. SHS is a typical American high school, which encompasses all that entails, including the positives and negatives of high school experience. Last year our class held our 20-year reunion and what a group we have grown into, a wide spectrum of personalities, experiences and lives. Twenty years ago we were one class, all belonging to a different group or clique and associations between one another were somewhat limited. Ten years later at our reunion, there really wasn't much that had changed, the same friends and cliques. Twenty-one years and one very nasty hurricane later, our group has grown into the wonderful, giving, loving, caring people Slidell High School and Slidell, Louisiana can be proud to call their own.
Three months before our wonderful reunion in 2004, where the changes in us were evident, a classmate started a web site for alumni to keep in touch. That web site turned into a lifeline for all of us in the aftermath of Katrina. Postings about our families, what movies we should see (or not), and football, were suddenly our only link to our friends, loved ones, homes. So many evacuated the area and were not allowed back, that the only truly valid information we got about Slidell were through postings from the few classmates that had either stayed behind or managed to get back home. After finding out about the devastation, the desires of many of us who now live away from our hometown, was to HELP. That desire turned into the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund.
Our Alumni is doing what we can to help our community, but we need more help. Thank you for your time and attention, and for allowing us to share our story of how a group of people that grew up together, but not necessarily friends, can come together, become true friends, and make a valuable contribution to our community.

Darlene Borchers Bennett (SHS CLASS OF '84) Seffner, FL

Ronny, thanks so much for the update. Most of my family is up here with me in Shreveport, and we've been desperate for some news. Tony, I hadn't been to the site for several months, and it hit me yesterday that maybe, just maybe someone was sending in news from the frontlines. What a Godsend! My brother David drove down today to see if he could get close. I'll be sure to post anything I hear from him when he returns. Gave him my digital camera too, so I'll try to figure out where to post some pics if our gallery is down.

Carla Barnes Clark (SHS CLASS OF '84) Shreveport, LA

I am writing to you from the Baton Rouge Library. I am one of the families who has lost everything. We were Lakeview residents and parishners at St. Dominic School and Church. We had seven feet of water in our home for twelve days. My husband made a visit last week and came back with one plate and one bowl. It breaks my heart.
We are renting a two bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge. Our three children are attending school at St. Aloysius. We don't know what we are going to do. We are safe and we have everything we need for now. Thank you for your kind offer. If you know anyone in BR that may need help, I don't have much but perhaps I can be of assistance.

Cheryl Bartfay Scripter (SHS CLASS OF '84) New Orleans, LA

My family and I are safe in Destin Florida where we experienced hurricane force winds three hours from the eye of the storm. We have yet to see or hear news reports from Pass Christian, but as you know, our community, Hancock County and Slidell bore the brunt of the storm. I am hoping and praying for the best, but fear the worst, and I believe the loss of lives and property will be unmatched in our lifetime.... I know many folks who stayed behind out of bravado, stupidity or necessity. I last talked to a neighbor over an hour before the eye even entered Mississippi waters and he had 5 feet of water and rising. He and his family (a wife and three kids 7 and under) were evacuating to the second floor. I haven't been able to contact him since.
I am unable to reach emergency personnel in our town. I am afraid for them as well, as there is little protection from a monstrous storm surge, even for those who stayed behind to protect others.
I am afraid that our whole town is lost. I am sorry, I can't type any more. I don't know what to say... I probably will be out of contact for a very long time. I hope everyone else is safe. I am not sure where we are going to try to head...

Donald Moore (SHS CLASS OF '84) Pass Christian, MS

I wanted to again say thank you to everyone for the work you and the other '84 alums are doing. We really appreciate everyone who has poured their time, energy and hearts into helping others through the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund. My wife and I also offer our deepest thanks for the charity and kindness shown to our family in this time of crisis and need. In times like these, you cannot thank God enough for family and friends. I feel really blessed to be a part of the Slidell community (even from across state lines) and even prouder to be a member of the Class of 1984. I am also glad we got together last night and talked. I needed a good laugh and the unexpected "gift" really cheered me up.
If you would, I would appreciate you doing me the favor of forwarding this e-mail to Ric and Ronny as well as anyone else I can thank. Again, I appreciate you guys.
Thanks!

Donald Moore (SHS CLASS OF '84) Pass Christian, MS

Steve, my dad and some friends from here made it to Slidell today and there is nothing left of my parents' and grandparents'(next door) homes on Apple Pie Ridge Rd. All houses on the street are gone. The water has taken everything, but they are alive and here with me and that's all that matters. My parents and grandfather will live here and I'm sure Rachel will love it. Ronny thank you again, you are a blessing. Steve said Slidell residents are working to clear the roads for rescue and electricity crews and most of the roads are clear and lots of power poles are up, just not running. We will get through this.

Lisa Griffith Lebo (SHS CLASS OF '84) Birmingham, AL

So many of you have been very generous with your donations to the Hurricane Relief Effort. Thanks to Tony's efforts to keep things going, many of us have been on the receiving end of y'all's generosity. I cannot put into words how touching it was to get the letter from the group with a check enclosed. These past few months recovering and rebuilding have been grueling, and every little thing helps.

Betsy Severs Campbell (SHS CLASS OF '84) Slidell, LA

Who would have known 20+ years ago we'd all be such a strong, caring force today. I was told back in high school to "quit investing so much in these people. You're going to graduate and everyone will go their own separate ways - you'll never see these people again."
They were wrong. Thanks everyone!

Michelle Rouleau Evans (SHS CLASS OF '84) Slidell, LA

Tony, the thanks goes to YOU for initially bringing our class together online, providing a literal lifeline during the disaster, and initiating/managing this non-profit assistance organization. I admire your drive in getting the job done, including your physical labor contributions in Slidell.

Niki Gross Rigol (SHS CLASS OF '84) Coppell, TX

The "Storm" is gone and Christmas has arrived, bringing renewed hope and joy to the citizens of South Louisiana!!
Thank you all, for selecting Ms. Lavonne Wilson and her family, to receive the gift of $1,000.00 in grocery certificates. It has greatly eased her struggle and lifted her heart with hope. We are amazed that you could not hear her voice when she received the news of the gift.
So many have suffered, but Ms. Wilson's losses were greater than most. Your kindness has been well placed and you will truly never know the impact your decision has made.
All of us here at STARC send our heart felt thanks and prayers to all of you.
Have a Blessed Christmas
And a Joyous New Years!!!

St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens, Slidell, LA

Ronny, stay safe and you can't imagine how much your efforts mean to all of us.

Mike Schexnaydre (SHS CLASS OF '84) Littleton, MA

You guys are fantastic!!! We're so proud of you all and thank your families for sharing you so generously with our SHS family. Is there anything that I can do to help others in our class that may need more than we do. Please, let me know so that I can help others as everyone is helping me.

Tracie Tedesco Carollo (SHS CLASS OF '84) Ocean Springs, MS

We want to thank you so much! When you guys showed up with your truck, it was like we hit the jackpot!

Minister Kevin Nettles, First Baptist Church, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, LA

I can't tell you how happy the letter made us. It came the day after I paid my back mortgage payments ($2425, for sep, oct, nov). Apparently, the "kindness" my mortgage company showed was different than we thought. I thought I'd just resume payments, and the two months would be added on the end. It didn't work that way.
So, when we received the mail from you all, it was truly the first time I've experienced "tears of joy." I don't think I've ever been as touched by people's kindness and generosity as when I received the letter from the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund. What's weird is the day you sent it, I was so angry and depressed. And then the day I'm feeling better about everything, it arrives.
And if anyone hears of need for special ed teachers in Slidell for next year let me know. It's either closer to home, or to Austin (a place that was almost as nice as the people from Slidell).
I also wanted to tell the story about the Fleur De Lis auction (on eBay). When we were evacuated, a friend of mine saw the stuff on eBay and said, "people should give to Red Cross, not buy stuff from people who 'say' they're giving to Katrina Victims. " Well, I said, wait, I'm from Slidell High, and I bet they're above board.
Well, enough time has passed that I think I can say that I've received far more help from the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Fund than I have from the Red Cross (that may change in the future). But we waited in line for 7 hours and received $965 from Red Cross. When we went to a relief center, they gave us 4 (count 'em) 4 diapers, a shaving kit, and toothbrush and toothpaste. This was in OCTOBER, as every other time a center had been announced we arrived too late.
I'm very grateful for this, but we applied, we waited, and compared to what people donated to the Red Cross, I can't help but feel that it was far less than it should be.
Now, compare this to you blessed folks. Out of no-where, as if sent from angels of God, we received the wonderful $1984 which covered the lion's share of 3 month's mortgages which we were told by our lendor during the hurricane we wouldn't have to pay until the end of our mortgage.
In November, our mortgage company announced, suddenly that all three months were due in full. The aid we received helped us greatly. We now have a full $7,984 saved toward our rebuilding fund, out of the $50,000 we need, from the $10,827 we've received from generous people throughout the United States.
God works through Saints like you all. I'm so happy and blessed for everything we have. When I feel down, I think about how I hope to contribute to our 30-year reunion being the best ever.

Joshua Aasgaard (SHS CLASS OF '84) New Orleans, LA

Glad to hear that you and yours are OK. All of your work on the alumni website in this emergency is much appreciated. It is my main source of news about people and places that I care deeply about.

Jeff Korgen (SHS CLASS OF '84) Montclair, NJ

To the Slidell Alumni,
Thank you so much for the gracious gift of $1,000.00 of grocery. Your kindness has given me peace of heart and renewed hope.
God Bless You & Merry Christmas.

Bre & Lavonne Wilson, Covington, LA

Tony, amidst all this, thinking of your classmates and making sure we are able to stay in communication. This site has been an invaluable source of information and in many cases comfort, and it's all thanks to you.
Bless you and all who have donated goods and money and time. Hero's come in all shapes, sizes and careers. I count y'all among mine.

Karyn McConnell Kattermann (SHS CLASS OF '84) Horseshoe, NC

Do you see the stacks of drinking water in the parking lot here?
They'll all be gone in three days.

Bruce Efferson, First Baptist Church, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, LA

My mom wanted to let y'all know that she is so impressed with our communication on this website and is also hailing Tony!! Some of the best info I've received and been able to pass on was on this site. Ronny, thanks for the recon missions...I think you put some minds at ease.

Ardith Morrison Morgan (SHS CLASS OF '84) Collierville, TN

You are just great! Sometimes I don't know what I would have done without this site. Thanks to all of you, we are proving to be the "Class with Class." Nothing says it better.

Sally Daniel Smith (SHS CLASS OF '84) Brandon, MS

I hope all is well with your family. My parents live in Victoria, TX and they are preparing to evacuate before Rita hits. Some of my agents have been running around NOLA and the Mississippi coast in support of Coast Guard missions.
It's great what you all are doing! I will be happy to donate what I can.

Jon Finnegan (SHS CLASS OF '84) Modesto, CA

Tony, I just wanted you to know that I think you and the 'board' have done a wonderful job with the Hurricane Relief Fund. I have sent out an email to my siblings (Class of 1978,1979,1981) and friends hoping to drum up more support.

Mary Flynn Werther (SHS CLASS OF '84) Lafayette, LA

The work that you and others have done is incredible. We hear daily about the difficult times in Slidell from my father-in-law who is knee deep in the rebuilding of his French Branch home. He often comments on the amazing volunteers that he has met through this process. Your efforts in bringing the people of Slidell help, hope and financial assistance, are nothing short of amazing.
Keep up the great work.

Karen Curry Rezai (SHS CLASS OF '84) Houston, TX

Just to let you know that I made a small contribution to Katrina today because of your site... I've made about 12 or so already but since you gave it the effort...and used PayPal... I found it easy to do... Good luck...nice site...
Again... I'm very impressed with your work...and your message...Please let me know if I can do more... I'm more impressed with your site...and your efforts for the victims of Katrina...than any to date...

Ed Kovacik, Broad Brook, CT

Tony, I have to add to the plaudits. You have done an amazing job. All of us out-of-staters are truly indebted to you for this wonderful service. And as for the smooth transition to the backup site, that was truly impressive. Thanks!

Roy Hansen (SHS CLASS OF '84) Des Moines, IA

Ronny, and everyone else who has offered details and accounts of the damage in Slidell, thank you so much. I've cut and pasted a number of posts from the 30th into a Word document to send to family and friends spread around the country. And I'd like to add my thanks to Tony for not only the site maintenance, but the actual creation of it in the first place.

Arlyn Anderson (SHS CLASS OF '84) Eau Claire, WI

Tony, again, many thanks to you and your crew. You guys are the greatest!!

Earl and Pat McConnell, Slidell, LA

	I would like to tell you about an amazing group of people, whose school pride can make great changes in a community, 21 years later. I am a graduate of the Class of 1984 of Slidell High School located in Slidell, Louisiana. SHS is a typical American high school, which encompasses all that entails, including the positives and negatives of high school experience. Last year our class held our 20-year reunion and what a group we have grown into, a wide spectrum of personalities, experiences and lives. Twenty years ago we were one class, all belonging to a different group or clique and associations between one another were somewhat limited. Ten years later at our reunion, there really wasn't much that had changed, the same friends and cliques. Twenty-one years and one very nasty hurricane later, our group has grown into the wonderful, giving, loving, caring people Slidell High School and Slidell, Louisiana can be proud to call their own. Three months before our wonderful reunion in 2004, where the changes in us were evident, a classmate started a web site for alumni to keep in touch. That web site turned into a lifeline for all of us in the aftermath of Katrina. Postings about our families, what movies we should see (or not), and football, were suddenly our only link to our friends, loved ones, homes. So many evacuated the area and were not allowed back, that the only truly valid information we got about Slidell were through postings from the few classmates that had either stayed behind or managed to get back home. After finding out about the devastation, the desires of many of us who now live away from our hometown, was to HELP. That desire turned into the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund. Our Alumni is doing what we can to help our community, but we need more help. Thank you for your time and attention, and for allowing us to share our story of how a group of people that grew up together, but not necessarily friends, can come together, become true friends, and make a valuable contribution to our community. Darlene Borchers Bennett (SHS CLASS OF '84) Seffner, FL

	Ronny, thanks so much for the update. Most of my family is up here with me in Shreveport, and we've been desperate for some news. Tony, I hadn't been to the site for several months, and it hit me yesterday that maybe, just maybe someone was sending in news from the frontlines. What a Godsend! My brother David drove down today to see if he could get close. I'll be sure to post anything I hear from him when he returns. Gave him my digital camera too, so I'll try to figure out where to post some pics if our gallery is down. Carla Barnes Clark (SHS CLASS OF '84) Shreveport, LA

	I am writing to you from the Baton Rouge Library. I am one of the families who has lost everything. We were Lakeview residents and parishners at St. Dominic School and Church. We had seven feet of water in our home for twelve days. My husband made a visit last week and came back with one plate and one bowl. It breaks my heart. We are renting a two bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge. Our three children are attending school at St. Aloysius. We don't know what we are going to do. We are safe and we have everything we need for now. Thank you for your kind offer. If you know anyone in BR that may need help, I don't have much but perhaps I can be of assistance. Cheryl Bartfay Scripter (SHS CLASS OF '84) New Orleans, LA

	My family and I are safe in Destin Florida where we experienced hurricane force winds three hours from the eye of the storm. We have yet to see or hear news reports from Pass Christian, but as you know, our community, Hancock County and Slidell bore the brunt of the storm. I am hoping and praying for the best, but fear the worst, and I believe the loss of lives and property will be unmatched in our lifetime.... I know many folks who stayed behind out of bravado, stupidity or necessity. I last talked to a neighbor over an hour before the eye even entered Mississippi waters and he had 5 feet of water and rising. He and his family (a wife and three kids 7 and under) were evacuating to the second floor. I haven't been able to contact him since. I am unable to reach emergency personnel in our town. I am afraid for them as well, as there is little protection from a monstrous storm surge, even for those who stayed behind to protect others. I am afraid that our whole town is lost. I am sorry, I can't type any more. I don't know what to say... I probably will be out of contact for a very long time. I hope everyone else is safe. I am not sure where we are going to try to head... Donald Moore (SHS CLASS OF '84) Pass Christian, MS

	I wanted to again say thank you to everyone for the work you and the other '84 alums are doing. We really appreciate everyone who has poured their time, energy and hearts into helping others through the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund. My wife and I also offer our deepest thanks for the charity and kindness shown to our family in this time of crisis and need. In times like these, you cannot thank God enough for family and friends. I feel really blessed to be a part of the Slidell community (even from across state lines) and even prouder to be a member of the Class of 1984. I am also glad we got together last night and talked. I needed a good laugh and the unexpected "gift" really cheered me up. If you would, I would appreciate you doing me the favor of forwarding this e-mail to Ric and Ronny as well as anyone else I can thank. Again, I appreciate you guys. Thanks! Donald Moore (SHS CLASS OF '84) Pass Christian, MS

	Steve, my dad and some friends from here made it to Slidell today and there is nothing left of my parents' and grandparents'(next door) homes on Apple Pie Ridge Rd. All houses on the street are gone. The water has taken everything, but they are alive and here with me and that's all that matters. My parents and grandfather will live here and I'm sure Rachel will love it. Ronny thank you again, you are a blessing. Steve said Slidell residents are working to clear the roads for rescue and electricity crews and most of the roads are clear and lots of power poles are up, just not running. We will get through this. Lisa Griffith Lebo (SHS CLASS OF '84) Birmingham, AL

	So many of you have been very generous with your donations to the Hurricane Relief Effort. Thanks to Tony's efforts to keep things going, many of us have been on the receiving end of y'all's generosity. I cannot put into words how touching it was to get the letter from the group with a check enclosed. These past few months recovering and rebuilding have been grueling, and every little thing helps. Betsy Severs Campbell (SHS CLASS OF '84) Slidell, LA

	Who would have known 20+ years ago we'd all be such a strong, caring force today. I was told back in high school to "quit investing so much in these people. You're going to graduate and everyone will go their own separate ways - you'll never see these people again." They were wrong. Thanks everyone! Michelle Rouleau Evans (SHS CLASS OF '84) Slidell, LA

	Tony, the thanks goes to YOU for initially bringing our class together online, providing a literal lifeline during the disaster, and initiating/managing this non-profit assistance organization. I admire your drive in getting the job done, including your physical labor contributions in Slidell. Niki Gross Rigol (SHS CLASS OF '84) Coppell, TX

	The "Storm" is gone and Christmas has arrived, bringing renewed hope and joy to the citizens of South Louisiana!! Thank you all, for selecting Ms. Lavonne Wilson and her family, to receive the gift of $1,000.00 in grocery certificates. It has greatly eased her struggle and lifted her heart with hope. We are amazed that you could not hear her voice when she received the news of the gift. So many have suffered, but Ms. Wilson's losses were greater than most. Your kindness has been well placed and you will truly never know the impact your decision has made. All of us here at STARC send our heart felt thanks and prayers to all of you. Have a Blessed Christmas And a Joyous New Years!!! St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens, Slidell, LA

	Ronny, stay safe and you can't imagine how much your efforts mean to all of us. Mike Schexnaydre (SHS CLASS OF '84) Littleton, MA

	You guys are fantastic!!! We're so proud of you all and thank your families for sharing you so generously with our SHS family. Is there anything that I can do to help others in our class that may need more than we do. Please, let me know so that I can help others as everyone is helping me. Tracie Tedesco Carollo (SHS CLASS OF '84) Ocean Springs, MS

	We want to thank you so much! When you guys showed up with your truck, it was like we hit the jackpot! Minister Kevin Nettles, First Baptist Church, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, LA

	I can't tell you how happy the letter made us. It came the day after I paid my back mortgage payments ($2425, for sep, oct, nov). Apparently, the "kindness" my mortgage company showed was different than we thought. I thought I'd just resume payments, and the two months would be added on the end. It didn't work that way. So, when we received the mail from you all, it was truly the first time I've experienced "tears of joy." I don't think I've ever been as touched by people's kindness and generosity as when I received the letter from the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Relief Fund. What's weird is the day you sent it, I was so angry and depressed. And then the day I'm feeling better about everything, it arrives. And if anyone hears of need for special ed teachers in Slidell for next year let me know. It's either closer to home, or to Austin (a place that was almost as nice as the people from Slidell). I also wanted to tell the story about the Fleur De Lis auction (on eBay). When we were evacuated, a friend of mine saw the stuff on eBay and said, "people should give to Red Cross, not buy stuff from people who 'say' they're giving to Katrina Victims. " Well, I said, wait, I'm from Slidell High, and I bet they're above board. Well, enough time has passed that I think I can say that I've received far more help from the Slidell Alumni Hurricane Fund than I have from the Red Cross (that may change in the future). But we waited in line for 7 hours and received $965 from Red Cross. When we went to a relief center, they gave us 4 (count 'em) 4 diapers, a shaving kit, and toothbrush and toothpaste. This was in OCTOBER, as every other time a center had been announced we arrived too late. I'm very grateful for this, but we applied, we waited, and compared to what people donated to the Red Cross, I can't help but feel that it was far less than it should be. Now, compare this to you blessed folks. Out of no-where, as if sent from angels of God, we received the wonderful $1984 which covered the lion's share of 3 month's mortgages which we were told by our lendor during the hurricane we wouldn't have to pay until the end of our mortgage. In November, our mortgage company announced, suddenly that all three months were due in full. The aid we received helped us greatly. We now have a full $7,984 saved toward our rebuilding fund, out of the $50,000 we need, from the $10,827 we've received from generous people throughout the United States. God works through Saints like you all. I'm so happy and blessed for everything we have. When I feel down, I think about how I hope to contribute to our 30-year reunion being the best ever. Joshua Aasgaard (SHS CLASS OF '84) New Orleans, LA

	Glad to hear that you and yours are OK. All of your work on the alumni website in this emergency is much appreciated. It is my main source of news about people and places that I care deeply about. Jeff Korgen (SHS CLASS OF '84) Montclair, NJ

	To the Slidell Alumni, Thank you so much for the gracious gift of $1,000.00 of grocery. Your kindness has given me peace of heart and renewed hope. God Bless You & Merry Christmas. Bre & Lavonne Wilson, Covington, LA

	Tony, amidst all this, thinking of your classmates and making sure we are able to stay in communication. This site has been an invaluable source of information and in many cases comfort, and it's all thanks to you. Bless you and all who have donated goods and money and time. Hero's come in all shapes, sizes and careers. I count y'all among mine. Karyn McConnell Kattermann (SHS CLASS OF '84) Horseshoe, NC

	Do you see the stacks of drinking water in the parking lot here? They'll all be gone in three days. Bruce Efferson, First Baptist Church, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, LA

	My mom wanted to let y'all know that she is so impressed with our communication on this website and is also hailing Tony!! Some of the best info I've received and been able to pass on was on this site. Ronny, thanks for the recon missions...I think you put some minds at ease. Ardith Morrison Morgan (SHS CLASS OF '84) Collierville, TN

	You are just great! Sometimes I don't know what I would have done without this site. Thanks to all of you, we are proving to be the "Class with Class." Nothing says it better. Sally Daniel Smith (SHS CLASS OF '84) Brandon, MS

	I hope all is well with your family. My parents live in Victoria, TX and they are preparing to evacuate before Rita hits. Some of my agents have been running around NOLA and the Mississippi coast in support of Coast Guard missions. It's great what you all are doing! I will be happy to donate what I can. Jon Finnegan (SHS CLASS OF '84) Modesto, CA

	Tony, I just wanted you to know that I think you and the 'board' have done a wonderful job with the Hurricane Relief Fund. I have sent out an email to my siblings (Class of 1978,1979,1981) and friends hoping to drum up more support. Mary Flynn Werther (SHS CLASS OF '84) Lafayette, LA

	The work that you and others have done is incredible. We hear daily about the difficult times in Slidell from my father-in-law who is knee deep in the rebuilding of his French Branch home. He often comments on the amazing volunteers that he has met through this process. Your efforts in bringing the people of Slidell help, hope and financial assistance, are nothing short of amazing. Keep up the great work. Karen Curry Rezai (SHS CLASS OF '84) Houston, TX

	Just to let you know that I made a small contribution to Katrina today because of your site... I've made about 12 or so already but since you gave it the effort...and used PayPal... I found it easy to do... Good luck...nice site... Again... I'm very impressed with your work...and your message...Please let me know if I can do more... I'm more impressed with your site...and your efforts for the victims of Katrina...than any to date... Ed Kovacik, Broad Brook, CT

	Tony, I have to add to the plaudits. You have done an amazing job. All of us out-of-staters are truly indebted to you for this wonderful service. And as for the smooth transition to the backup site, that was truly impressive. Thanks! Roy Hansen (SHS CLASS OF '84) Des Moines, IA

	Ronny, and everyone else who has offered details and accounts of the damage in Slidell, thank you so much. I've cut and pasted a number of posts from the 30th into a Word document to send to family and friends spread around the country. And I'd like to add my thanks to Tony for not only the site maintenance, but the actual creation of it in the first place. Arlyn Anderson (SHS CLASS OF '84) Eau Claire, WI

	Tony, again, many thanks to you and your crew. You guys are the greatest!! Earl and Pat McConnell, Slidell, LA