As you know, Louisiana recently suffered record flooding due to a heavy rain storm that deposited in a 24 hour period, one month’s worth of rain for this region.  All reports indicate this was the worst in 500 years.  The flooding wasn’t localized and hit the greater Baton Rouge area.

More than 30,000 people have been rescued with 40,000 homes affected by the storm. The record flooding was as a result of the Amite and Comite Rivers cresting more than 10 feet above flood stage sending flood waters throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding towns.  The town where our Narconon is located is Denham Springs and was one of the first areas to be hit with the heavy rains and flood water.

On Saturday, August 13 Narconon Louisiana executed it’s Emergency Evacuation Plan and as the Sheriff’s Dept came onto the property in boats, the last vehicle with students drove off.  The water was rising onto our property at a record breaking speed of 2 feet an hour.  For those of you who experienced the flooding last weekend or who have ever witnessed a flood of this magnitude, you understand the near surreal perception one has before an extremely high necessity level kicks in.

Our staff did a heroic job throughout the evacuation process and transported all the students to safety.  Half of the staff relocated with the students at another location to continue their program delivery and the other staff remained on cleanup.  I am very happy to report all the students are doing well and moving on their programs, having miracle wins.  The staff who remained are in a safe location and have started on the clean up needed to bring the facility back to operational so we can resume production.

Tom and I are not strangers to natural catastrophes.  In August 2005, we worked with over 1000 volunteers to assist with the devastation brought to the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina.

We now must overcome another environmental obstacle and would appreciate any help you can give in the following areas:

                    Contributions of building materials (flooring, drywall, molding), appliances and supplies

                    Furniture and bedding

                    Volunteers (especially those skilled in construction)

                    Financial donations

                    Maintenance equipment

                    Transport vehicle

Thank you to everyone who has already given and to those who have helped with their time.