ORLANDO, FL – October 19, 2018 – GrayRobinson, P.A., led by firm attorney Christopher T. Dawson, coordinated a relief drive last week, collecting and delivering supplies to victims of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle.
Over the course of two days, firm attorneys, consultants and staff organized a community-wide collection at the firm’s downtown Orlando office. They were joined in their efforts by the University of Central Florida, which collected supplies at the Student Union, and Orange County Convention Center food service provider, Centerplate, which donated thousands of pounds of food and water for delivery.
The drive generated enough supplies to fill a semi-trailer truck, generously donated (along with a driver) by Sorensen Moving and Storage. Donated goods included everything from electric generators and chainsaws, to flashlights and bug spray. The firm also raised over $10,000, which was used to buy additional supplies, including 10 generators, 18 chainsaws, pop up tents, and all manner of repair supplies, along with toiletries and food.
On October 16, 2018, Dawson and GrayRobinson staff members joined Sorenson Moving Company driver Ash Devesan on a trip delivering supplies to local disaster relief authorities in Port St. Joe. While in Port St. Joe, the GrayRobinson team was able to meet with Gulf County Commissioners, the County Manager, the County Superintendent of Schools, Senator Marco Rubio, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Executive Director Cissy Proctor, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Brock Long, Representative Alex Andrade (HD-2), Major Dixon and the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida’s North Florida Chapter President to discuss what the next steps are towards recovery in Gulf County and the surrounding areas.
"It was truly an honor to represent the firm and a privilege to be able to help with recovery efforts in this way," said Dawson. "I cannot overstate the gratitude of the great people in Gulf County and surrounding areas. Their need truly is great, and I am so grateful for how the Central Florida community came together to help us make a difference."
The Firm's efforts were covered by Central Florida news stations WFTV Channel 9 and WESH 2 News, among others.
Pictures from the Relief Drive
Some of the GrayRobinson volunteers who assisted in the collection held at the Orlando office. (L to R: John Boudet, Chris Dawson, Nick Dancaescu, Marc Levine and Mark Marcaccio).
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Among the supplies donated, we were able to deliver several generators!
Supplies donated from our friends at Centerplate.
Next stop: University of Central Florida's Student Union. Thanks to all the students and staff who donated supplies!
Stocking up one last time in Tallahassee before heading to Port St. Joe.
Damage from the Hurricane seen in Marianna, Florida, on the way to Port St. Joe.
Thank you to the Florida Highway Patrol who escorted our volunteer team safely to the Distribution Center!
Once we arrived, the team was able to sit down with Gulf County officials, Senator Marco Rubio, DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor and staff, Representative Alex Andrade (HD-2), FEMA Director Brock Long, among others.
Delivering supplies at the Centennial Building Distribution Center in Port St. Joe, Florida.
Delivering supplies at the Centennial Building Distribution Center in Port St. Joe, Florida.
Hurricane Michael damage in Cape San Blas, Florida.
Hurricane Michael damage in Cape San Blas, Florida.