28 Jul Rebuilding PRIDE: Our Path Forward After a Tragic Fire
Dear PRIDE Supporters,
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirit. Today, I bring an update of a daunting challenge faced by PRIDE and an earnest call for your continued support.
On this past Fourth of July, a day typically filled with unity and celebration, our organization experienced a heartbreaking loss. A stray firework, set off illegally, triggered a fire that ravaged our downtown building—a structure that not only houses the offices of PRIDE but also that of the Land Bank and our two tenants. The destructive blaze resulted in devastating damages exceeding $400,000.
Our teams now face the daunting prospect of at least six months of displacement as we confront the task of rebuilding and recovery. While our insurance will shoulder a substantial portion of the financial burden, we’re left grappling with a significant deductible and various ancillary costs. The challenge before us is substantial, but with the strength of our community and the resilience of our spirit, we remain hopeful and committed.
Throughout this period of adversity, we have been deeply moved by the wave of support and unity from our community. To everyone who has reached out, your words of solidarity have steeled our resolve and illuminated the path towards our recovery.
Now, we invite you to join us in the tangible steps of rebuilding PRIDE:
- Attend the Wine and Swine: Our annual gala has taken on new importance. Your presence and participation will significantly contribute to the “Rebuilding PRIDE” fund and ensure the continuation of our “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative.
- Donate or Sponsor: We urgently need silent auction donations and event sponsorships. Both forms of contribution will significantly bolster our recovery efforts. For more information on how to contribute, please call our office or visit the event website here.
- Share the Event: Help us reach a wider audience by sharing the event within your network. Inviting friends, family, and colleagues will greatly augment our fundraising efforts.
- Volunteer: We welcome all hands on deck. If you have the time and inclination to assist with our donation follow-ups or the event itself, we would be incredibly grateful.
Every gesture of support, large or small, contributes to restoring PRIDE and the invaluable services we provide to our community. With your assistance, we can rebuild and continue our crucial work.
Thank you for your enduring commitment to PRIDE. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
With deepest gratitude,
Nicole Justice Green
Executive Director of PRIDE and the Essex County Land Bank
518-585-6366