DOVER — The last meeting for the relief effort, organized by the Faith Based Network and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, and supported by the Rescue Dover team, was an uplifting gathering. During this event, the Dover Rotary Club kindly allocated the funds raised through their GoFundMe campaign to those affected by the September 16 fire.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the various restaurants, organizations, and individuals who offered their support in the days following the September 16 fire.
•The Red Cross
•First Pentecostal Church, Rev. Darcy and Yocasta Quiles
•In Kind Project
•House of Worship Elyon – Rachael & Maria Ledon
•United Pentecostal Latin Church – Rev. James Corrales
•Zufall Clinic – Walter Rodrigues and Jamie Rodgerson
•Roxbury Diner – George, Jimmy, and Teddy Dontas
•Sabor Latino Restaurant
•La Bamba Restaurant
•El Marino Restaurant
•Taqueria Pancho Villa
•Oh Que Rico
•La Chapina Restaurant
•Walmart Ledgewood
•Howards Mission
•Ray of Hope Foundation
•Dover Focus – Frank Cahill
•American Italian Police Society – William Schievella
•School Community Outreach
•SNAP – Jean Selito
•Connecting Dover
•Maria Rosario
•Barry’s Luncheonette
•IHOP – Kenvil
•Morris County Hispanic Affairs
•Dover Rotary Club
•Rescue Dover Team and Mayor-Elect James Dodd
The event, held on Monday, November xx, opened with a prayer from Pastor Darcy and a welcome message from Michelle Espada.
Michelle said “As we gather here today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and joy to be surrounded by such a diverse and remarkable group of individuals and organizations. In the midst of our community differences, I celebrate the richness we all bring to Dover. Our diversity is not a challenge to overcome; it is our greatest strength. Just as a garden flourishes with an array of colors and fragrances, we should embrace the beauty of our collective differences and focus on the good desires of well-being for our families. It is in unity that we find our true power. There is no need to know who will get the credit or not when we are serving one another, there are many out here who are doing greater things than what we are doing, and not one knows who they are, it is a matter of coming together, organize and delegate where we can achieve extraordinary things. We are not just individuals sharing a space, and not only we are breathing the same air. We are a collective force, capable of shaping the destiny of our community. Let us cast aside the shadows of division and instead, stand united under the bright light of understanding, compassion, and respect. Yes! Respect, because not all of us think alike or have the same opinion, belief or mentality, but I personally don’t gain anything by not respecting other’s opinions or beliefs, I shouldn’t make of someone that has a different opinion than me an enemy, nor I have to make them swallow my ideals or morals, my rights end where other’s rights starts, is very simple.”
The Dover Rotary Club then settled the GoFundMe account with all of the families present and thanked the community for the support.
