Artist with her jewelry creations on display.

Discipline: Jeweler

Liane Okamitsu

A generous contributor to my recovery.

CERF+ and Rio Grande assistance was instrumental to Liane’s Hurricane Sandy disaster recovery.

For years Rio Grande has been the major supplier of materials and equipment for my handmade jewelry business. Then Hurricane Sandy destroyed my home and studio. Besides losing most of my personal property, I lost valuable equipment, jewelry supplies and displays. It was devastating especially right before the holiday season.

Almost immediately CERF+ was there with financial assistance for me; they also contacted Rio Grande on my behalf. In late December, Rio Grande became a generous contributor to my recovery by providing me with a significant credit on my account with them. That helped me replace equipment and materials that were swept away by Sandy. Without this aid, my business’ road to recovery would have been almost non-existent. And along with the financial aid, I was deeply touched by the hand written note sent to me by my contact at Rio Grande, Janet Haldeman, expressing their empathy and support for my situation. Coming at a time when I felt adrift in a sea of debris, mud, and red tape, it was like a mental anchor for me and gave me renewed focus and salvaging my business.

Rio Grande’s spirit as a giving community that fosters creativity is one that I will always appreciate and a company that I look forward to doing business with for many more years to come.

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