I very happily received two checks in the mail today, they are written to Don Coplen and total $ 35.--!!!
Please - everybody - DO send him the 10 bucks. It's Christmas time, and he lost just about everything in this awful year of catastrophies. He is ours, and I miss him.
I am a little worried that he may have fared better if I had collected them and egged you on every now and then with progress reports. But when Sigh posted his address I felt I could just turn it loose. I hope I'm wrong and you will stop a minute and write him a check right now.
Did you do it? Now put it in an envelope and write on it:
Don Coplen 21531 Meehan Avenue Port Charlotte FL 33952
Don thanks you! Feel free to help keep this bumped up.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
I've planned on sending Don some xmas gifts myself. Talked about it in chat several times.
However, never could get a confirmed address. Now we have one.. And, I will be sending Don something right away.
Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
I'll send $10 - didn't realize he was in a bad way! Met him in FL and was indeed impressed with what he could do on the computer. He lost his jobb? Is that because of the hurricane too? Boy this is sad - what a nice guy he is.
Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
Cheque for US$10 is in the mail.
Hey - 100 Letterheads x $10 would make for a pretty decent Christmas around the Coplen home, wouldn't it?
Do-able?
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Myra, Check sent to you. Thanks for the forwarding service.
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
I must've spaced out...didn't know anything about it. Had a terrible summer myself, but it looks like recovery is happening, so a little something from us.
Thanks Myra.
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
The check is in the mail!
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
hell I waste more than 10 bucks in time reading this board every day.
Perfect timing Myra! that's the christmas spirit.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Yeah- We're at 95 dollars given and pledged so far, and it is only the first day!
I can't wait til we hit the 200 Mark, I am so glad you are responding and getting active.
In Don's name I thank all of you. We might even have something to do with seeing his mug and ballcap on this Board again soon.
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Doesn't Don receive royalties on the Palm clipart series? If so, in the merchant section, letterhead sign supply is having a sale on this right now. It would be an even better way to help out and receive quality clipart also.
I met Don down at the Hogtown meet....got to here his story first hand. I myself have never had to go through anything like he has had to deal with.
I'm putting a check in the mail tomorrow...I waste more money than that on chocolate in a week....not to mention coffee!
thanks for the post......Happy Holidays
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Myra - my check ($50) goes in the mail today. Also, I ordered the Palm Collection earlier this week, so that might add a few more dollars to the bank account.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Sign folks are very generous when they know a brother needs help.
[ December 17, 2004, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Just put mine in the mail Myra. You can add another $50.00 to the pot! I had a good year so why not help somebody else out. What goes around comes around.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
$25 is on its way. Don if your reading this.. Do the 3d Clipart thingy if you want or call me.
By the way I mailed to the above address
[ December 18, 2004, 04:27 PM: Message edited by: William DeBekker ]
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Check is in the mail. This is a good thing you are doing, Myra. Don, hang in there! We all hope for the best for you. Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Myra, would you mind offering a bit of an update on Don's wellbeing? Some here don't know his story. Is the address you posted for Don a temporary or permanent address?
Thanks for doing this!
[ December 17, 2004, 12:37 PM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
Posted by Linda Schmidt (Member # 2337) on :
Myra- My check's in the mail, too. This is truly a wonderful thing you're doing. Please keep us posted.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
I think Si Allen knows the most at this time, he has talked to Don about 2 weeks ago and he is the one who gave us this address.
About the actual occurrences, the first hurricane hit North Charlotte and Punta Gorda where Don Cheryl and Jay are. He simply lost everything and what he did not lose was not worth keeping. That's about how he described it to me.
Cheryl and Jay were also very much hit. But of the three financially and emotionally Don was the worst victim.
You might look back and re-read, or read, the incredible, worthy of publishing report Jay wrote of his experiences. And also Cheryl's reports.
I will never forget how I felt when I read that she said you have to poke a hole in your ceilings to let the water drain, so it won't hit you on the head. She was amazingly stoic.
Anyway, that's about all I know. Si and Cheryl are the ones who would know the most.
And Doug Allen: you are the best at retrieving things. If you could find Jay's report and then post one of your famous: "here"'s.
I do not know how to do that
Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
A 'lil update;
Don, stopped by my shop earlier this week, needed to look something up on-line and pick up a special piece of mail. He, was in good spirits!
For those who didn't know, hurricane Charlie passed through the area where Don lived and worked. Soon aferward, he was asked to move from the home he rented, when the owner was ready to proceed with major repairs and hinted they considered selling the property. In other words, he needed to move on. Simular scenario's from his two previous employers, in the area.
He's still living in the FEMA travel trailer, in Port Charlotte. From what I gather, he doesn't have to pay to live there, but does not have phone or cable access, (no internet) though he does have satallite TV and a cell phone. He spoke of a 'rumor' that those living in the FEMA travel trailers may be soon relocated to larger mobile homes.
Shortly after the storm, he received financial assistance from FEMA and began receiving unemployment compensation. Over time, he hit the pavement, passing out resume's. He hasn't landed a steady job, but recently has purchased a used MAC computer and has been doing freelance design work.
The address Myra & Si have listed, IS where Don has been receiving his mail. It's the address of the home he lived in before the storm. FEMA doesn't supply mail boxes for the assisted living trailers which requires obtaining a PO Box. Don, said he would be applying for a PO Box, soon and his mail will be forwarded.
As for Jay Nichols and myself;
Jay's trailer was all but destroyed during the wrath of Charlie! When he came out of the fog, he was forced to relocate immediately. He, managed to save most of the things important to him and his livelyhood. He, has since moved to Fort Myers and gained employment at one of the larger sign shops, as a salesman and rented an apartment.
My home and shop received substancial damange. Charlie's winds, removed the shingles from one side of my home, blew out both gable ends and caused major water damage to the interior. The tin roof over my shop was pealed away, leaving half of my work area open to the sky blue! In preparation for the storm, I had tarped all of my tools and equipment so no major losses, just a BIG mess of drywall to clean up.
The landlord repaired the roof over my shop, but there has been nothing done at my home. Between the insurance company, the mortgage company and contractor availability, I've all but given up! I've applied a temporary roof over my home, twice and it's now starting to go again. Got plenty of materials to do it, but need time and some extra hands...
The whole ordeal has been tramatizing to all of us, to say the least. Though, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Cher.
**edited to add** Don, has gone to the library to access the internet and says he can read things here, but for some reason is unable to post. Also, I told him that some of you were going to be sending him money, he said to tell everyone Thank You...
[ December 17, 2004, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: Cheryl Lucas ]
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
$20 on it's way to FL...
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Bump! and accounting:
We are at $ 305 that I know about, either coming to me or straight to Don! 1 check for $ 25 has come in, and another for $25 has been promised, both of those from people who no longer post - but who still stay in touch.
I like David's idea of buying the Trilogy, and therefore it is win - win; everybody gets something. If you can afford that right now, great!!! If you cannot, please do not let it discourage you from the original $ 10 check suggested. That way is just as much win - win.
Almost everybody can afford a ten dollar check and a stamp. Best thing is to just do it, and then forget about it.
Remember the penny that doubles every day? (I don't remember the staggering numbers, but it seems like a good analogy to bring up
I have a suspicion, and only time will tell, that 10 dollar checks are on the way that we don't know about. Be proud. Tell us, you secret BullBoard Santas, and keep this thing bumped up.
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
$25 US money order will leave here on Monday!
Good luck to you Don. We are thinking about you and hope you can be back on the board soon.
Suelynn
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Don called while I was out and left a message on my machine.
He can read the BB at the Library Computer ...but... for some reason he cannot log on to post here.
He asked me to post that he wants to thank everyone that is helping him out!!!! It will really make a big difference!
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
I sent him $20 this week. Just glad to help out. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
One Andrew Jackson on it's way. Don Coplen 21531 Meehan Avenue Port Charlotte FL 33952 correct me if I have the wrong address, I remember reading something about him in a trailer park but is going to be relocated?
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Thanks to all new contributors.
Hope your Sunday is marvellous, I know you are all busy and disjointed preparing for Christmas, but this post should not slip down too far.
I had a phone pledge of $ 20, other than what's on this Board, and another $ 10 we did not know about materialized.
I need a few more to start the count over
No fence sitting, or tire kicking. Just do it! I feel like the sheer thought of being in Don's shoes would let us write a check in gratitude for our own better fortune this past year.
If Don gets a sum that is something we can be proud of having assembled, just think of the very special dinner he could throw for our other two victims, who should not be forgotten.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Does he have little kids that he has to buy Christmas presents for?
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Nope, Don is single Laura, no kids.
Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
Wow! Did you all read the stories that Cheryl posted?
Posted by Michael Latham (Member # 4477) on :
I remember reading posts at time of Hurricaine, I foolishly assumed insurance and contractors would have everyone ok very soon. I'm glad I read this to see what it was about. Check's on its way.
Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :
Well,
I've paid for my bump, Myra graciously allowed me to paypal her.
Merry Christmas Don, Marie and I wish you the best and we're sure things will improve in the new year.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Me again - with good news. Had a call from Auto Art Magazine, Bob Bond is donating $ 50 to the cause. Another call from anonymous for $ 25
At this point it is not possible for me to give an accounting of totals, because the money in general is going directly to Don with a few exceptions.
I am thrilled that there has been an ongoing response to my pleas. It is so easy to beg when it is not for yourself.
I noticed on the Board that there are supposedly 9099 letterheads. Now I wish I had asked a dollar of every one.
Thank you all, in Don's name, and I hope donations will keep this bumped up. Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
I will be leaving for South Florida in the morning. Parents house is still not repaired after a direct hit from two hurricanes. There simply is not enough "qualified" contractors around to do the work. Yes large commercial buidlings are getting repaired. But the average homeowner is waiting.
My parents lost two rooms and a car port and are not finished doing the repairs. No amount of insurance is goona make it any eaiser for anyone down there if there isnt a properly trained worker around.
Those people down there are all suffering either from the stress of living in a tore up house or from the trauma of having entire towns ripped up. Some have enough money to leave. But, many others do not.
So. sending Don some money is doing more than just him some good. It will help a lot of others from the ripple effect too.
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
$200.00 Merry Christmas from Rapid Tac, should arrive tomorrow Don. Hope things get better soon !
Roger
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Right on Roger!! you da Man! that is the christmas spirit
Myra, I'm emailing you to ask about also sending $20 via paypal.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Ho HO HO just got another Anonymous donation, # 2 for $ 25, going directly to Don. You guys are just great!
Edited to add another anonymous one for $ 10
[ December 22, 2004, 12:30 PM: Message edited by: Myra Grozinger ]
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
In keeping with the promise I made to myself I'm bumping this again. It's close to the last time, which as of now has not yet come .
It's also not yet Christmas- and I have learned that if it is kept bumped up, new people read it. Or people see it again, who have thought about contributing, and forgot to just do it.
I am so pleased with the ones that responded, and grateful in Don's name! He probably is pretty happy that he can't write on this board right now, because the attention he got might be a bit unsettling. (Actually I have had one person in tears who contributed, and said that Don was like a brother to him)
So I shamelessly keep this in front of you, it's not dead yet, and I think we can still do a little better..
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
thanks for the paypal option Myra! Merry Christmas Don!
Paypal is a convenient service, now may be as good a time to check it out so you have that option all ironed out in advance if you ever need to use it in a hurry!
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