A letter to our supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic -
What can we do to help the community during these unprecedented
difficult and challenging times? How can we help?
Dear AJJ Scholarship Community:
Wherever this letter finds you, we hope that you are healthy and connected to the support of friends, family and community. What we are facing is daunting but we have been comforted and inspired by countless acts of courage, compassion, generosity and love.
During this tremendously challenging and unprecedented time, we have been thinking about our role in service to others. As you know, the Fund was created in 2002 to remember and honor the life of Art Jones. The foundation of Art's life was community and connection to others, and right now, the Fund is focused on supporting the communities where our donors live and work.
As we look ahead to the challenges of 2020, we see an opportunity. Since the new year, we joined with other community members and groups to raise nearly $5,000 for a local family in need. Recently, with a contribution from the Fund, the generosity of several supporters, and our partnership with Tom and Rob Maloney from Shinnecock Hardware, we were able to purchase 3000 N95 respirator masks. Mask donations were made to Southampton Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Stony Brook Hospital, the Southampton Town Police, Hampton Bays Ambulance and several local doctors. Phelps Memorial and White Plains Hospitals in Westchester County also gratefully accepted masks. And, with the support of the MCJ Amelior Foundation, we are once again set to award at least $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding Hampton Bays graduating seniors.
We know there is more to do. For nearly 20 years, the legacy and memory of Art Jones has been forged again and again by the generosity of supporters like you. We are so thankful for the fact that we never have had to wonder about your support in our mission to serve Hampton Bays kids and the community at large. The coming days, weeks and months ahead are uncertain. What is certain, however, is the strength of the Art Jones Community. And we want that strength to mean something in how our community rebuilds and rebounds from these challenging months.
So, we write with updates:
1. Our highest priority is everyone's health and safety, so the AJJ Golf Outing, scheduled for Friday, June 19, is postponed. We hope to reschedule this important reunion for a date in late September/early October.
2. We know that many in our community are struggling as a result of COVID-19. We ask you to consider how the AJJ Scholarship Fund can assist in these times. What can we do to help?
Please reach out to any member of our Board of Directors, or me directly. The Board takes the responsibility of preserving and honoring Art's legacy seriously and we look forward to hearing your ideas on how we can be supportive of such a great community at this time. We are all in this together and together we will emerge stronger, more compassionate and grateful to be reunited once again.
Respectfully,
Scott Jones
President, AJJ Scholarship Fund
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