Dateline: 09-11-2005

Dixon, Lackey team up for Katrina relief efforts

From Larry Dixon and Mercedes Lackey (Guests of Honor, CVG 2005)

Larry says:

I am trying to get this out to as many platforms as I can, so anyone who can cross post this for me, I would be greatly appreciative. We have about 3 acres of land set up for refuge for people who need it, as well, we are working on coordinating both a lift for people who need it, as well as directions for those that have transportation. Most of the information on this can be found on www.gryphonking.com. Right now, we're trying to get the word out as fast as possible for all our brothers and sisters in the SciFi and Fantasy community, so any aid in getting this word out will/is appreciated.

I'm an experienced emergency worker (7 yrs volunteer firefighter, 2 yrs stormspotter & CERT (Civilian Emergency Response Team)). Mercedes Lackey and I have an existing charitable foundation we are turning towards the effort of helping the fantasy, scifi, and roleplaying games fans hit by Katrina.

When Katrina was coming in, I packed up my rescue gear for activation, and began putting together a civilian relief convoy to help out the Gulf Coast fandom. The high-level dispatch I saw today is, in as many words, "Nobody Goes In" during the continued, and perhaps complete, evacuation of the Gulf Coast. The only aid people that are being specifically asked for at the moment, through my channels, are fast water rescue teams.

So, the angle of the fan/pro/gamer aid effort I've been assembling is now shifting on the fly---from one of going in with supplies for those who stayed and pulling out those left homeless, to instead, locating the fans who HAVE evacuated, and relocating them to places they can get back on their feet. We'll be taking some in ourselves up here in Oklahoma. We have room and resources in house for six or so people and our contractor is readying to rebuild the garage into a bunkhouse to accomodate up to 22 at any one time.

Spread the word, if you can.