Give the gift of Electricity to the Perez Family – Utuado, PR

On September 20th, 2017, many families, including my friend, Raul Perez and his family, endured the unprecedented catastrophe of Hurricane Maria from his parents home in Utuado, a municipality of Puerto Rico, located in the central mountainous region.

Although he and his family are all safe and in good health, he returned to his home that was nearly completely devastated. His roof was completely ripped off of his house; everything inside was water logged. They were able to salvage most of their clothes and some of their furniture. They are currently sleeping on old Army cots. Of course, he is working with FEMA but with the roads out to access the mountainous community, help is slow in coming.

According to Puerto Rico Governor, Ricardo Rossello, "Utuado is certainly one of the most severely affected municipalities in all of Puerto Rico." Over a month later, 85% of PR is still without power and due to many of the main roads and bridges in and out of the mountains of Utuado, is not expected to get power back for upwards of 6 months. And helicopters now make regular deliveries of food, water and medicine because with the bridge washed out, there is no other way in or out of town.

I'd like to help the Perez family. My hope is that through you all, my friends and family, we can help fund Raul's efforts to get a small solar power grid established for his home so that he can power a medium sized refrigerator, a few light bulbs and a fan. I've sourced and priced out all of the materials that he will need and I've made connections with a solar power company that can assist him.

Although the established funding goal listed is slightly above the estimated costs, I'd hoped that the additional funds may assist with unexpected related costs that I don't foresee.

All additional funds received over and above the goal amount will be sent to support the "In Honor of Roberto!" A Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fundraiser being hosted by Manny Sanguillen and my friend and Nashville recording artist, Sgt. Bob Timney. (https://www.facebook.com/events/132910000697248/?a...).

Please help, if you can. Thank you!