Each Word for US All

little falls, nj

2010-03-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

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.

giving, without spending a dime

2010-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

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.

come and get em

2010-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

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.

reaction to proaction

2010-02-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T09:10:00.001-08:00

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

Each One Helps Haiti

2010-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

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

a year to remember

2009-12-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well, this Christmas came and went in a blur, as it does most every year. Especially the last week leading up to the big day. Once again I found myself in the last minute rush to finish up the shopping list. I must admit, the last minute thing really gets me in the holiday mood, call me crazy but I like the crowds. It's one of the few times in the year where we're all in it for somebody else. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a teacher or the mailman, we are all thinking of others during this time of year. Surrounding myself in such good karma can't possibly be a bad thing, it's the good that I'm drawn to and I feel it so strongly this time of year. I'm convinced this feeling is the underlining emotion in everyone that makes this season so fulfilling.

With less than a week left in 2009, I can't help but think about what this year has meant to me. I started this year in a completely different place than I find myself now. Kinda freaky when I break it down, the differences in my day-to-day are quite the contrast. It's a good thing because I feel that I am finally establishing my true self value, doing something I feel in the grand scheme of things is more important and so desperately needed. With the transformation that's occured, I've learned a lot about myself and others. Point is,,, I've learned. I am one who feels that we must continue to learn no matter what we think we know, this is the only way to gain complete understanding, if that's even possible. Establishing Each One for US All has been an incredible learning experience. there has been great strides made in the short time I've put my efforts forth in creating this corporation. As one may expect, along with moving forward there has been set backs. Things that come along and stop you in your tracks. Things like this were usually beyond my control but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. I've found that reminding myself of the reason I started this venture and the successes I've achieved brings me back.

The reason for the venture still looms as a tragic reality to this country. I can't tell you the actual amount of people who still suffer in this country from natural disasters that occured years ago. The stories of people still in temporary housing, the lack of volunteers to help and the complete lack of support from our government programs in place to help us in these times.

Each One for US All has been receiving donations for our first official "Call To Action" put into place earlier this month. This has solidified the feeling of true purpose to all the work I've put into this venture. With only three days left in the year, I am eager to see how the donations will positively impact the lives of others. This will be the pay-off for all the time and effort by so many and put us on the map as our official first project.

Wishing everyone a safe and prosperous New Year, 2010 is going to rock!

DD

P.S. There is still time to get in your donations for the Call To Action, for details, click here and get involved. Help make a difference in the lives of others in need.

call to action, 2009 year end donations for those in need

2009-12-10T12:44:00.001-08:00

Open your hearts to others in need. Join in on this Call to Action - http://bit.ly/8zwkci
Make a difference this holiday season.
sign up for the mailing list, share with friends.

something to talk about.... The sequel

2009-12-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

It's crazy, the things one goes through to become a non-profit. The details, the time sitting around waiting for others to tell you are OK to do the good you plan to do.....

Well folks,,, the time is NOW!!!!!!

Today, while discussing other matters with my gracious attorneys, I was informed that I have been approved by the Federal Government for 501(c)(3) status.

I am beside myself with all the opportunities that stand in front of me. I am humbled by the people who have always believed in me. And I am freaking out because this is finally in my eyes,,,,, REAL!!!!

Now, I can reach out to private foundations and the government for grants.
Now, I can reach out to corporations to develop sponsorships
Now, I can say, yes, you contributions are tax deductible.
Now,,,, I can really set out to do the good that is needed. To provide towns across our country with the support we all need and deserve.

Each one of us doing for all of us.... Isn't that what it's all about???

DD

another milestone reached

2009-11-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that the Each One for US All website is now live. I huge thank you goes out to Bob and Leigh Karsch at Karsch Creative for gettin' her done. Thanks also goes out to Rob Sims and Matt Cordes for their writing talents, great job everybody.

Although my blog has captured my visions and ideas for the developement of the organization, I feel the website really captures the goals. This will be a tool to update our progress and educate the visitor of what we're all about and in turn motivate those to get inolved.

I hope you will all stop by and check it out. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, I have gained so much from so many just by listening to their point of view.

On another note, my interview will be running on Thanksgiving day in The Courier Times, The Intelligencer and The Burlington County Times, hoping for a huge push from the publicty, fingers crossed. You can also see it on http://www.phillyburbs.com/. Last week a preview was run online at this link, check it out.
http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/news/bcct/yardley-resident-founds-non-profit-to-help-flood-victims/

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

DD

blame all you want, what we need is a change

2009-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

A great portion of my day is spent doing research, primarily on the internet, finding stories about towns across our country still in disarray from disasters mostly years after the fact. What I love about the web now is the ability to access it anywhere, anytime. In fact, right now I am writing this blog in a waiting room of a car service center, they have wireless access, meaning I don't have to page through the old copies of the popular rags on display and I can continue my quest to learn more about the goings on in our country at the moment.

I stumbled upon this article form the LA Times about the Army Corps. Of Engineers that I felt I needed to share - http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-katrina-flooding19-2009nov19,0,3370102.story. The events of Hurricane Katrina were like no other in our country. The news about how people are still struggling to rebuild can be found every day. We as a country all sat there and saw firsthand how unprepared we were with an event of this magnitude. This article to me really shows why we need to deal with natural disasters in a more proactive way. From what I understand about the Army Corps., they are a government agency. Like other government agencies, they are assigned a budget every year to deal with finding solutions and rebuilding to help alleviate the effects of natural disasters or to eliminate them altogether. Having to determine a budget for this type of need must be an unbelievable task. Frankly, this approach in my mind can only lead to more things being moved to the back burner and falling through the cracks. Think about it in terms of your family, we all have expenses, the car breaks down, the roof may spring a leak, the carpet needs replacing. Your budget will take care of needs and fixes that fall highest on the priority list. You may opt to fix the car and the roof but put off the new carpet until your budget opens up. We've all been there, that carpet replacement could take months or longer if something else pops up like it always seems to do.

I guess as a society we want to have someone or something to blame, this gives us closure on some level so we can move on. However, as the article states, this ruling will open up our government to thousands of new claims costing the government and ultimately us as citizens, billions of dollars. Looking at it in that respect is why I have started my organization Each One for US All. My town of Yardley, PA had a solution in place to control the water on the Delaware River provided by the Army Corps. Of Engineers since the 60's and still to this day, they won't move forward in its implementation. We as a united front can tackle these situations with a proactive approach with charitable donations coming from each and every one of us that has been, will be or knows someone dealing with the effects of a natural disaster. Unfortunately they way things are set up; we are already footing the bill for a system that doesn't seem to work.

DD

something to talk about

2009-11-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back and I'm sorry I've been away for so long. The truth is that for the past month or so I have been in a waiting mode. Not to say that I haven't been keeping busy but I didn't think every aspect of my research and every detail of my day-to-day was really that interesting. I was sure there would come a day that I could inform everyone of something new and today is the day.
I am very excited to announce that I have been interviewed by our regional newspaper for an article that will be published on Thanksgiving Day. I am scheduled for a photo shoot along the banks of the Delaware River on Thursday of this week,,, fitting to say the least. For those of you in Bucks County, you can find it in the Courier Times, for those of you that are out of town, you can see the article on the web at - http://www.phillyburbs.com/ A special thank you to Amanda Cregan for her interest and providing the stage for a broad audience to see my vision.

With this article I will also be launching the Each One for Us All website. Part of the details I referred to earlier was the building of this site. There has been a large amount of work done here. It is amazing what it takes to put something like this together. Frankly I never really thought too much about how web pages work and the planning that goes on behind its creation, but like almost everything else in life, you never really know until you actually do it. The website I feel is such an important part of the organization. The web has made the world a smaller place and with the launch I will be able to share my vision on a grander scale. I intend to utilize this tool to its fullest extent, to educate, to inspire and to gain support so needed for so many.

Throughout the past 5 months I will tell you that I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. With every risk one takes, you have to expect there will be a fair share of ups and downs. Those experiences for me have been the fuel to thinking outside of my comfort zone, something I believe is necessary to the success of my path. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I'd be remiss not to send out a huge thank you to all the folks along the way that have inspired, challenged and encouraged me to move forward with this vision. With your support, I am confident I will see every success I know that can be accomplished.

Leigh, Brenda, Fred and Rob, thanks for climbing aboard, you will all bring your special gifts that will make a huge difference in others lives.
Ron, thanks for spreading the word, you by far have been more than just a friend, you are a true advocate of this cause and I won't forget.
Ronni, Michiel and Richard at Dechert, I'd still be sifting through IRS forms without your intervention for sure.
Lorna for always asking how I'm doing in this process,, for sharing the link with your friends as well.
Facebook friends and Twitter followers, what a cool vehicle social networking can be.
Followers on this blog, email subscribers and folks that just pop in. Your comments are priceless.
Brittany, Bobby and Laurel, just seeing you all grow make me want to be a better person.
And finally my Jacqueline, none of this would have ever happened if it wasn't for your unconditional love and support. You've given me the greatest gift I could ever receive, the belief that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it.

DD

the government crutch

2009-10-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 2nd 2009. As an average American guy I greeted this morning with the same positive attitude that most have for a Friday, kind of funny when you think of it, how the last day of the work week for most of us just brings joy. On the other hand, I live in Pennsylvania and my happy thoughts were quickly cut short over the headlines I read in my local newspaper this morning.

For those of you who don't know it, Pennsylvania is the only state left in our country without a budget in place. In fact, the powers that be are now moving this stalemate into the 4th month. I can say to you that in the past I would have been someone who had no idea about the goings on in Harrisburg when it came to the yearly budget. However, this lack of coming to terms is affecting thousands of people and as you may have guessed me and my family’s business. You see, my wife and I own a daycare in Morrisville PA. The daycare industry happens to be one that is paid a subsidy from the state. Although our Governor, Ed Rendell signed a preliminary agreement to keep checks flowing to state workers and other state agencies, the agency that pays daycares was left off the list. This subsidy pays parents of low incomes so they can work and at the same time provide care for their children. This system is in place to better their situations and ultimately stop utilizing the system. We have seen it firsthand how the system has worked for so many families we've provided care for. Being a witness to that, we have vowed to those families we have in place that we would continue to care for their children so they could work and continue to build a better way of life. The reality is we haven't been paid by the state since July for these families. This represents roughly 33% of our business. I have heard of other daycare providers with a far higher percentage of subsidized families who are in the same boat. This lack of payment is forcing daycares across our state to lay off workers and in some cases shut their doors.

There lies the background and here's the point. Government is a crutch. To some it's a crutch they carry their entire lives, yes people will abuse the system. Others will use this crutch until they are well again to stand on their own two feet. Unfortunately when you are ailing and there is no crutch, it makes it that much harder to get well again. Some people say that government has no business even having programs like these in place. These are usually the lucky few that have been able to provide without government intervention or their ideals are clouded by their upbringing or other circumstances. The point is government on a state or a federal level is there to provide support for us, the citizens that make up this country. With the way of the economy and the state of unemployment in this country, believe me, no one is immune. Any one of us could find ourselves being one of those people we criticized yesterday, tomorrow. The actual control we think we have is really an illusion and the elected officials have so much control over so many and could yank away what we've come to rely on without notice.

Take FEMA for example. If you were hit by a natural disaster, losing all your belongings, would you expect to be paid for rebuilding your home? Of course you would because the majority of us don't have the resources to do it by ourselves. Is this a crutch? Some would say yes,,,, actually I would say yes. It's something I relied upon when I was a victim of a natural disaster and without it, my family and most throughout my town would still be in shambles. Does FEMA cover everything? Absolutely not. In fact as I've demonstrated in previous blogs, coverage we expect falls short, leaving thousands of people wondering what they can actually rely upon. If you look back at my September 4th post, "changing the rules" you will see that FEMA is in the midst of making a change that will drastically reduce the amount of funding they will provide on the third occurrence.

The reality is this. We as a country have things in place but we can only rely on them to a certain extent. September's NPM, that is, National Preparedness Month has come and gone and I wonder how many actually took it to heart. How many of us thought about our own vulnerability and took steps to be better prepared in case of an event beyond our control. I am trying to do my part. I am convinced that we as a society need to come together to support our fellow citizens. The crutch being offered is not the end-all-be-all to getting our lives back to normal after an event. I am also convinced that no one is untouchable. If you haven't been affected by a natural disaster, I'm sure you know someone who has. The fact is, we as a people sometimes fall into that false sense of security. We live our lives unaffected, doing our day-to-day. We sometimes judge others based upon what we see on the surface and never take the time to look at the full picture of their circumstances. And we all too often think that things will just work out.

I for one, think we need to think again.

DD

georgia on my mind

2009-09-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have heard about the recent heavy rains and flash flooding in Georgia over the past couple days, for those of you who haven't, here's a link to the story as of this morning.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090922/ap_on_re_us/us_heavy_rain_southeast

This was some serious rain in these areas, almost 2 feet of water in a two day span. Believe me; this type of downpour would leave any area in disarray. My heart goes out to the families affected and the people doing all they can to get the situation under control.

As of this morning, this has not been added to FEMA's list of Federally Declared Emergencies but I'm sure Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue will be writing his request if he hasn't done so already. This request will springboard the Federal Government into action to help these communities on a grander scale. I can only hope the counties affected have an up-to-date Hazard Mitigation Plan. This is the key to funding from FEMA for the town and the people affected.

More to come I'm sure,,, I'll keep you posted.

DD