Message From David & Orly Perez, 2007

Dear Friends,

The dispersed Katrina Community needs all of our help more than ever. Two years later, where have the billions of dollars in aid gone? Areas of New Orleans are still without basic services (water, electricity, waste removal), while the levees are inadequately rebuilt to their pre-Katrina standards. Please join forces with 2 Life 18 Help and Rescue to help us help rebuild communities and restore dignity and autonomy to our neighbors struck by this unprecedented natural disaster. Donations have slowed to a trickle as the Hurricane has faded from network coverage and while needs are still very pressing. We have learned that helping these victims who have lost everything from family members, home and jobs, to basic mental stability must be a grass-roots effort that comes from all of us. Whether you can contribute time, assistance, support, or funds for everything from weekly gas money to monthly rent and basic everyday needs while job-hunting and rebuilding lives continues, it is with heartfelt thanks that we welcome your care and attention.
Davide perez
David & Orly
Founders 2 Life 18 Help and Rescue

Listen here to my August 29 2006 KPBS interview on the Anniversary of Katrina

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Message From David

November 16, 2005

(2 1/2 months after Hurricane Katrina)

Dear Friend,

Thank you for caring. Because of people like you we were able to make a difference in the lives of more than 1,000 people affected by Katrina.

Katrina is being hailed as the greatest natural disaster on American soil. Unfortunately, the aftermath of this catastrophic hurricane has proven to be a soil on our government’s ability to respond to the needs of its citizens.

Over the Labor Day weekend, while most major corporations and federal government offices were closed for the holiday, I issued a clarion call for Americans, great and small, to come to the rescue of our fellow countrymen. Personally, I felt compelled to be at ground zero to offer aid and save as many lives as possible. During the first two days alone, I spent $250,000 of my own money on the rescue effort.

Thank you for listening to my plea.

My heart is filled with gratitude that multitudes of people across this great land rose to the challenge and responded immediately to my cry. By partnering together, we have proven once again that this is the greatest country in the world and that America’s greatness is truly in her people.

And the challenge continues.

As many of the good people from the Gulf States mourn the loss of loved ones and most mourn the loss of life as they knew it, we must continue to extend open arms in these uncertain times. Our work continues as we are actively involved in finding missing persons, reuniting families, providing cross-country transportation, working with governmental and service agencies, and providing aid. We have recently distributed over $80,000 of private money in direct financial aid to evacuees.

Our citizen mandate is to ensure that out of despair, comes hope. In the upcoming days, you will see ways on our website to proactively be involved in helping Katrina victims rebuild their lives. Just as the private sector rose to the occasion of opening their hearts and their homes to victims at the moment of crisis, I believe that individual citizens will continue to help rebuild lives one person at a time.

When I stepped up to the plate in a time of emergency, I did not realize that I was a catalyst to what became a national network of volunteers raised up virtually overnight for the common purpose of responding to the basic needs of others.

Now I must listen to you.

The clear consensus is that we must build upon the foundation that we began together. We have a moral imperative to be prepared to respond immediately to the needs of Americans – particularly if our government is ever caught off guard again. My wife, Orly, and I have formed a public charity for the common purpose of responding to people in times of disaster. Donations to the newly formed 2 Life 18 Help and Rescue Organization will go directly to the Katrina victims. When our work with the Katrina Relief Effort is completed, any unused funds will be utilized to respond quickly in times of a national emergency. Our goal is to continue in the tradition of the Katrina Relief Effort as a coordinated private sector based “first response” effort in times of national emergencies like the current Bird Flu Pandemic where we have been actively engaged with leading relief organizations in developing a proactive awareness program.

By contributing to 2 Life 18 Help and Rescue by volunteering or donating, we all continue the work we’ve begun together - of saving lives and uplifting the human condition.

I’d like to share one of our favorite verses from the Torah “To save a life is as if you saved the whole world”. Your efforts have made a difference. Remember that even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference in the life of someone who has lost everything and needs to rebuild their life.

I have been blessed to be part of a family that has deep-rooted spiritual and religious beliefs. On behalf of my family, I ask that you join us in celebrating each day with a prayer for good health and peace on earth. As we have worked together toward a common goal, I feel my family has been greatly expanded over the last few weeks.

I want to personally thank you for being part of a historic endeavor that saved countless lives. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family.

G-d Bless You,

Davide perez
David Perez