Ladies,

As an organization built on relationships and support of women, I am asking you to please help us support Board of Advisor member and past president, Patricia Harris of The Edge Connection at Kennesaw State University, in her efforts  to help a fellow businesswoman and flood victim get back on her feet.

From Patricia:

Debbie McGee has been a legacy client of The Edge for the past 10 years.  She just recently opened her caribbean restaurant in Cobb County, and the Edge Team supported her by having a luncheon at her new establishment this past summer. Debbie has been a committed client and is an example of business growth and client loyalty.

I just got off the phone with Debbie and she is in a critical state.  She lives behind Sweet Water Creek in Austell, Cobb County and the water rushed into her home up to the roof and also flooded her car.  She has lost everything and is homeless.  She and her three children stayed at the Cobb County Civic Center shelter for 3 days and now they are staying in the foreclosed house of one of her church members until the Sheriff comes and evicts Debby and the children.  

While Debbie is waiting for the insurance to settle, she is without many basic items for her and the children.  She is also without any means of transportation that will assist her in getting to various centers for some support.  I am committing to give Debbie one day next week of escort transportation to assist her in collecting food, clothing, and items towards her recovery. The Edge Team is already collecting items to give to Debbie's family.  I am attaching a list of items that are of critical issue.

Additionally, the flood waters rushed into her business, and fortunately the only significant damage is the water heater.  It is damaged and now needs to be replaced.  The cost is approximately $2,000.  She is also in need of landscaping in the front and back of the business that will help assist in water not flooding the business in the future.  We must assist her in keeping her business doors open, as this is the only income for this family.

I would like to invite staff, board of directors, Advisory Council, Coles College, and the community to assist The Edge in supporting this client and her children.  I would like to officially deem Thursday, October 1, 2009 as Adopt the Debbie McGee Family at The Edge Connection.  If you know of any resources for housing, clothing, food, financial support, car, water heater and landscaping, please know that all of these resources are critically needed to support this family.

Please advise me of any support you can offer or a referral for support.  I thank you and ask that you keep Debbie and her family in your prayers.

Respectfully,

Patricia

Patricia Harris
Executive Director & CEO
The Edge Connection
Kennesaw State University
Coles College of Business
Phone: 770-499-3228
"An SBA Women's Business Center"

For a complete list of the family’s needs, please contact Patricia’s assistant, Lynn Brock at lbrock13@kennesaw.edu or 770-499-3228.