Ferndale Thanks Businesses for Stepping Up to Help Hurricane Victims

Ferndale City Council extended its thanks on Monday night to three local businesses that recently sent food and supplies and electric service support to help hurricane victims in New Jersey.

"As usual, Ferndale steps up when there's a need - even if the need is all the way over on the East Coast," Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said during Monday's meeting before reading a proclamation of recognition to Dino's Lounge, Garden Fresh Gourmet and Ferndale Electric for leading massive relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

"A lot of folks did a lot of things ... but three businesses in particular really stepped up in a typically Ferndale way and we didn't want this good work of theirs to go unrecognized," Coulter said.

Here is the full text of the proclamation:

"Mayor David Coulter, on behalf of the Ferndale City Council, extends the City’s appreciation to Garden Fresh Gourmet, Dino’s Lounge, Ferndale Electric, and all others who chose to lead a massive relief effort for victims impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

On November 7th, late in the evening, Jack Aronson of Garden Fresh Gourmet called Dean Bach of Dino’s Lounge to request his assistance in providing a half truckload of bottled water that was to be shipped the next day to New Jersey for disaster relief efforts. Dean immediately made personal calls and campaigned on social media for requests for emergency supplies, food, and water contributions.

Within 12 hours; tremendous teamwork, persistence, and coordination enabled Garden Fresh Gourmet to send five 54-foot trucks carrying 20,000 pounds of food and 1400 cases of water; as well as clothing, blankets, and pet supply donations.

Arthur Ashley, President of Ferndale Electric led 25 employees and sent 13 vehicles to work in Eastern New York and parts of New Jersey to restore electric service to several homes and small businesses. Arthur’s crew of employee volunteers worked 16 hours per day for seven days straight!

Jack Aronson, Dean Bach, Arthur Ashley, and all of those who helped out in this immense relief effort are a credit to this community, and it is with heartfelt appreciation that we celebrate their capacity for charity, and determination to make a difference in the face of disaster."