As boaters and anglers, you know how important the Bahamian waters are to our industry. They are some of the most idyllic in the world that our customers, and many of us, have been fortunate to enjoy. Hurricane Dorian has completely devastated the Bahamas. Dorian's destruction is wreaking havoc on the lives of our neighbors and friends. We cannot stand by and watch. As an industry, this is a critical moment in time to come together and offer our support.
Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, whose district includes Virginia Key (home to the Miami International Boat Show) has a strong connection to the Bahamian community. In addition to Virginia Key, his district includes Coconut Grove, which was founded by Bahamians.
Commissioner Russell has strongly recommended we support Third Wave, a Miami-based relief organization. He feels their efforts are much more visible than agencies like the American Red Cross.
Third Wave is a registered 501c3 and is very active on the ground in the Bahamas. They have deployed medical personnel and supplies via boat to the Abacos and have a C130 transport plane with supplies going down today. Supplies they are in need of at this point are tents for people to sleep in, cleaning supplies, chainsaws and clearing equipment, work gloves and generators. Commissioner Russell has assisted with securing a warehouse in Wynwood to collect supplies and they are receiving assistance at the Opa Locka airport as well.
While we likely cannot supply tents and chainsaws, there is great need for monetary donations. Joe Neber and Scott Deal, along with NMMA, are challenging you to step up and contribute so we can reach a minimum combined donation of $250,000 to relief efforts. Contender, Maverick and NMMA have already each pledged $10,000.
How to Help:
1. Via credit card. Please include "NMMA" next to your name or your company name so we can track our industry's collective donations. Donations are tax-deductible.
2. For large monetary, tax-deductible donations (tax Id is 82-3731839), please send to: Third Wave Volunteers Inc., 3566 Vista Court, Miami, FL 33133 — c/o Citibank ABA/Routing number 266086554. Third Wave Account #9145817339. Please note on Wire Instruction: For Bahamas Dorian Relief — NMMA.
3. For incoming foreign wire transfers on the account, please use Citibank ABA/Routing Number: 266086554 and SWIFT code: CITI US 33
Shipping supplies.
Non-palletized supplies can be delivered to: Third Wave Volunteers, 537 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127 Palletized supplies can be delivered to: Fountainbleu Aviation, C/O Third Wave Volunteers, 14200 NW 42nd Avenue, Opa-Locka, FL 33054 In a week or so when the Bahamian government is ready to receive vessels, Third Wave is organizing a flotilla of private boats to travel to the Abaco area including Green Turtle, Guana Cay, and Hope Town. Third Wave will keep us posted as they get closer to finalizing these plans, and we will share them with you.
Finally, we note that a number of concerned marine companies have set up GoFundMe accounts to raise money to aid in Bahamas relief. For anyone running one of these GoFundMe accounts, we ask you to consider aggregating funds by sending the funds you've collected to Third Wave, an accountable 501 (c)(3). Every dollar Third Wave receives will be used on the ground in the Bahamas to help in relief and restoration.
Thank you for your support of our Bahamian neighbors and friends!
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