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Shortly after the unfortunate fire disaster that occurred on December
17th, 1999 which
completely destroyed two homes on Barrier Reef Drive, the community of
San Pedro joined forces to raise funds to aid the victims. The great
efforts of the residents of the island and from other parts of the
country raised a large sum for this cause. After all was said and done,
the task of dispersing the funds was passed on to the Board of Directors
of the San Pedro Lions Club. Almost four months later, the club is happy
to report how the monies collected were distributed. After many meetings
and recommendations it was unanimously agreed that the Valdez family
required most of the help. The club soon got to work (special mention
must be made of Mr. Abel Guerrero's tireless work on behalf of the club)
and today they are pleased to announce the Valdez family has moved into
their new home. The total amount of money collected was $63,822.57. From
this amount the construction of the Valdez' home totaled $41,781.79.
Other victims of the disaster were the Reyes' who lost their business
situated downstairs from the Valdez's. They were assisted with a cash
donation of $5,000 plus construction materials worth $1,500 donated by
Caribbean Depot, bringing their share to $6,500. Vicky Nelder, Santiago
Acosta and Mr. Juan Alamilla, also victims of the fire, each received
$5,000. Marcos Larios, who had an art gallery in the same building,
managed to save most of his paintings and was aided with $400. Two
teachers living in the Valdez's home (Mssrs. Gustavo and Emir Ellis) also
lost their belongings and were aided with $800 each. The total amount
after dispersing the money came to $63,781.79, leaving a balance of
$40.78.
The San Pedro Lions Club thanks the general public for
their donations and the victims for their patience until now, when the
money was distributed. They wish all of them the best in the future and
remind them that "every dark cloud has a silver lining."
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