Attention all TPFRers,
It is with a heavy heart I report to you all that late Saturday night fellow TPFRer and club officer Trent Jones lost his home and essentially everything in it to a house fire. Praise God that Trent was not home at the time of the fire and neither were any of his roommates. No one was hurt and no neighboring properties were damaged. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Trent is doing incredibly well in spite of these circumstances and has many good friends around him. I am truly inspired and encouraged by his grit! Additionally, Orvis has come through immediately in a big way to be sure he has the clothing he needs, and I have little doubt our company will take care of his fishing tackle needs as well. However, the days and weeks ahead hold many challenges for Trent as he deals with investigators, insurance claims adjusters, finding a new home, etc., and it will likely take a lot of time to sort it all out. His most pressing needs are the immediate ones, even basic essentials. WITH THIS WE CAN HELP, AND I AM CALLING ON ALL OF US TO DO SO!!!!!
Please consider making a cash, check, or gift card donation to Trent in whatever amount you can to help him through this difficult time. Since he is presently staying with friends, large material donations (TV sets, furniture, etc.) will likely be burdensome in the near term, but this will likely change in the long term, so please keep these things in mind. This is, after all, the season when many people "upgrade" some of their home goods, electronics, etc. For now, I am asking any of you that would like to offer this type of thing to please email me directly with what you have in mind -
daniel.davala@gmail.com. I will keep a list of pledged items and contact information, and discuss with Trent once he establishes a new residence so he can then easily pick from what is available collectively.
In order to make this an organized effort, here is what I am requesting:
Cash, Check, and gift card donations can be dropped off at any of the four Orvis store locations: Arlington, Tyson's Corner, Bethesda, or Woodbridge - whichever is most convenient. We will be sure that they get to Trent immediately. I will also be rallying and taking donations at the next TPFR BEER TIE this coming Monday, December 10 (details soon). Please make all checks payable to TRENT JONES. If you are out of town or have relocated, you can mail your donation to:
Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders
Attn. TRENT JONES
P.O. Box 101761
Arlington, VA 22210
GIFT CARD SUGGESTIONS:
Grocery Store gift cards - any major chain
Restaurant gift cards - especially those that are good at multiple locations. For example, an Outback Steakhouse gift card is also good at Bonefish Grill, Carrabbas, etc. *****
*****I know some of our members actually work at or manage bars/restaurants, so by all means please consider a certificate or voucher for a few meals there, maybe a drink or two and a cozy booth.
Target or WALMART - Let's face it, a little goes a long way here for essentials (toiletries, home goods, and other staples)
Electronics - let's maximize the bang here and make all electronics gift cards be to BEST BUY. Yes you may have a different favorite, but if these are all made to the same place they will go much farther for Trent.
Gas Station - again, a basic necessity
VISA Gift Cards and the like - lots of employers, credit companies, etc. give these out during the holidays. Consider passing them on to Trent.
Trent's situation should be a reminder to us all that we never know when the storm may come, but we always know it can strike any time and without warning. TPFR means many different things to many different people. For some, it is a way to improve angling skills. For others, it is a way to find new places to fish. And still for others, it is a venue to display the latest catch, talk fishing, or report on the latest trip. These are all noble interests. To me, TPFR has always been first and foremost about one thing -
RELATIONSHIPS. Our relationship to this River, to it's Maker, and to each other. We have all been brought together for such a time as this and now is our time to lift up our friend in the face of adversity. Let's show Trent and remind ourselves that we as a community and as a body will
NEVER TURN OUR BACKS on one of our own!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all in advance for any and everything you can contribute. Now let's dig DEEP and help our Brother!
Sincerely,
Dan Davala
P.S. Aside from the types of contributions listed above, any and all thoughts, prayers, and well wishes for Trent are welcome and encouraged on this thread.
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