Jetty Rock Foundation Donates $25,000 to Aid Relief Efforts in Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

December 10, 2024

Manahawkin, NJ – December 10, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Jetty, the East Coast surf apparel brand with a growing presence in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, is proud to announce its Unite+Rebuild campaign—directed by its non-profit division Jetty Rock Foundation—has donated $25,000 to support North Carolina and Florida communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The charitable initiative featured a special edition Unite+Rebuild Hurricane Relief t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt, printed by Jetty Ink, that was sold through the brand’s website and at select retail partners with 100% of profits benefitting those most affected by the catastrophic storms.

When Hurricane Helene hit Florida in late September and continued its destructive path into the mountains of North Carolina, Jetty and Jetty Rock Foundation mobilized instantly to begin relief efforts. Fundraising and helping those in need has been a core pillar of the brand since Superstorm Sandy devastated the New Jersey coastline in 2012. Through first-hand experience and lessons learned, the company and its nonprofit arm can quickly organize, execute, and disburse funds to those who need it most.

While Hurricane Helene relief began, a second storm set its sights on Florida. Just three weeks after Helene brought destruction to the Southeast, Milton slammed into the Gulf Coast. With two powerful storms making landfall and wreaking havoc in such a short timeframe, Jetty and Jetty Rock Foundation went into overdrive to raise funds with a $25,000 goal.

Thanks to the generous support of Jetty’s dedicated customer base, the target goal was achieved. A supplemental donation was made by the Barnegat Light Taxpayers Association. While fundraising, Jetty staff tapped their connections to retailers, aquaculture industry partners, as well as friends and family, to vet organizations, groups, and individuals in need.

“We knew we couldn’t help every person affected by the tragic events, but we leveraged our relationships to further our ethos of helping those who can help others,” said Kyle Gronostajski, Environmental Director of Jetty Rock Foundation. “We are thankful for the lessons learned post-Sandy and strive to provide not only funds but also a sounding board for those in similar situations to where we were just over a decade ago. If nothing else, some hope that things can and will get back to normal albeit with lots of hard work, sweat, and tears.”

Donations were made to Asheville Dream Center, Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, Diamond Brand Outdoors, Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association, Madeira Beach Hurricane Relief, Mountain BizCapital Inc., North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition, Compound Cares Foundation, and the Heim family. In addition to the funds allocated, Jetty also donated several thousand dollars of warm, winter clothing to residents in Asheville, NC who lost everything after Hurricane Helene.

“Many farms experienced devastating losses in the storms. These funds will support mutual aid efforts helping farmers recover and rebuild so they can get back to the job they love,” said Adrianne Johnson, Executive Director of Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association.

“This has been a traumatic year both personally and professionally with back-to-back hurricanes. The Cedar Key clam industry has been devastated and was just starting to recover from Hurricane Idalia last year. It has been heartwarming to witness the numerous acts of kindness and support; in many cases from strangers,” continued Leslie Noel Sturmer, Cedar Key Aquaculture Association.

Will Gay, CEO of Diamond Brand Outdoors, concluded, “I am thrilled you will be able to support the Asheville Dream Center. Your donation will be used in the best possible way to help and support those who are marginalized and often overlooked or forgotten about in tragedies such as this. It will be a long road to recovery, but a road paved with hope and the promise of better days ahead.”

While the 2024 hurricane season has officially ended, Jetty and Jetty Rock Foundation are already making plans to begin fundraising for the inevitable storm relief needs in 2025 and beyond. To learn more, donate or become a member of Jetty Rock Foundation, please visit www.JettyRockFoundation.org.

ABOUT JETTY

Founded in 2003, Jetty was created on a shared love of surf, fishing, art, travel, and music and a desire to draw its own line. Now in its 21st year of business and a Certified B Corp, Jetty continues to offer eco-minded, durable apparel that embodies the fickle conditions of Northeast surf and encourages outdoor adventure despite the weather. Learn more at www.JettyLife.com or www.JettyRockFoundation.org.

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