Monday, May 7, 2012

"HUNTER to the OCEAN" Fundraiser SUCCESS

A fundraiser I started over a month ago lasted only 7 days when 40 people came from all over the world to help make one young man's dream come true!

In 7 days we raised $1027USD to help create a way for Hunter Shaffer, 14 years old and in a wheelchair all of his life, make it to the ocean. Hunter fights for the ocean & animals daily online and through his personal life working at a local conservation area. Hunter has had over 400 bones break in his 14 years of life and knows first hand what pain is all about so he now lives a vegan lifestyle and has taken on a voice for the voiceless.

Hunter inspired me to create this fundraiser and I am so happy to say "It was a SUCCESS!" Hunter and his family took this opportunity as a family road trip to Jupiter, Florida. Jimi B. Long set up the event at the Florida destination and has only spoke to Hunter over the internet for months. So they too were able to meet for the first time and Jimi is in a wheelchair as well and knew first hand how he could help make this day something to be remembered for the rest of Hunter's life! Now we have photos to share!

Hunter Shaffer with Michael Worden, Jimi B. Long, Erik Brush, Danny.
Photo by Susan Mabe



 This is the status that Hunter put out only 11 hours ago from his resort in Florida:

"Snorkeling at coral cove was great, and my first time in the open ocean! Was also the first time I had seen a fish in the wild while I was in the water. My biggest thanks to Danny, Michael Worden, Jimi B. Long, Erik Brush, Susan Mabe, Jim Shaffer, and most of all Bob Timmons for helping me to get to Florida in the first place! A big thanks as well to Amber Foster for watching the pets back at home so I could come here!

I am now VERY comfortable with the ocean, and snorkeled again today at a different location. Snorkeled 300FT out right over a coral reef and saw Sea Urchins, Crabs, Puffer fish, Appears to be Bermuda Chub, a large Yellow Fish that I was unable to identify *Thought it was a Trumpetfish, but looks nothing alike!*

Erik, Jimi and I also went to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, we saw a variety of rescued turtles and sat for a 30 minute educational interactive course about sea turtles. *This was also the spot where I beat Jimi in 2 wheelchair races, no need to brag about that, videos will come soon! ;)*

All in all, I could not have asked for a better time in Florida and saw a variety of life! A huge thank you to ALL who donated to the Hunter To The ocean campaign! Without your help, I would not have been NEAR the ocean, let alone 100 meters out over a reef! Considering going out early in the morning tomorrow to swim with the Bull Sharks when they migrate into the shallows to feed as the sun rises. Thank you, everyone!" ~ Hunter Shaffer


Jimi B. Long, Hunter Shaffer & Erik Brush at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Photo by Susan Mabe


Comments from the days event:

Susan Mabe
Was up at Blowing Rock today with Hunter Shaffer on his snorkling trip ! Kudos to Bob Timmons for his fund raising and all who donated. A big fins up to Erik Brush, Jimi B. Long, Mike & Danny for getting Hunter into the water. Went to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center as well. It was a great day. Pics will be posted later. WTG Hunter ! ♥

Michael Worden
It was a pleasure! So proud of Hunter, he did a great job in the water this morning!

Jimi B. Long Meeting Hunter and his wonderful family was without a doubt, one of the highlights of my life!! What a great bunch of people, to spend an awesome day with! Thank you to everyone who showed up to help!! I had a BLAST!!! Next time, I'll know better than to challenge Hunter to a wheelchair drag race.. The little bugger blew my doors off and left me in the dust...TWICE!!!!!

To see what I "FELT" only weeks ago, go from a thought, to a reaction, to networking, to a JOURNEY for a young man and his family! People globally were affected by his compassion to join in and create an Incredible Story for him and all of us! Hunter keeping on Rocking the Free-World for the Animals! I think you know now that we ALL LOVE YOU Bud!

By Erik Brush


Here are some photos of the Card I made to send the names of all the donators and the money orders:








Bob Timmons

Co-Host for Herbivores - Animal Frequency Show
http://www.facebook.com/HerbivoresAnimalFrequency

Ontario Regional Coordinator for Sea Shepherd
http://www.facebook.com/SSCSToronto

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Taiji Interview aired in Rogers TV - Ontario

Attention Ontario and Hlobal viewers: My interview that will be Aired Only in Southern Ontario, Rogers TV, is available on my website here! It's about The Taiji Dolphin Slaughter and my Awareness Paintings. First TV showing is today at 1pm. Scheduled showings are on Channel 20 in South-Western Ontario: Wednesday, May 2nd  at 1pm, 9:30pm Thursday, May 3rd at 5pm Saturday, May 5th at 10am, 3:30pm. 9pm Sunday, May 6th at 10am, 6:30pm Twitter for Inside Angle @Inside_Angle To view interview go here: http://www.bobtimmons.org/rogerstvinterview.htm