This is a long and horrible story and it only gets worse. My friends Tina and James who live aboard their Islander 29 just lost everything they own in a fire. They jumped the gun and cancelled their insurance a week ago because they had sold the boat to a friend but he had not yet taken possession, or title. They had hired a mechanic from Craigslist to work on their Atomic 4 engine before changing ownership. Somehow it burst into flames. He has 20 years experience, but hey, shit happens. The mechanic is a single dad raising his daughter alone. He now has third degree burns from his elbows down to his fingertips, and tons of medical bills.

Tina and James are homeless with just the clothes on their back. Imagine being at work an hour away and getting that call, "um, we think your boat is on fire". Imagine rushing home to find a pile of ash, and an even bigger pile of bills. Who knows what the USCG will fine them for polluting the marina, yet to be determined. Imagine starting over. We can all point fingers in any direction, clearly so many things happened here that shouldn't have happened. It doesn't change the bottom line which is, they lost everything. Please help them rebuild their lives. Please help them so all the bills they acquire aren't piled in the mailbox of a man who just lost the use of both hands. A small contribution from you is everything to them. 

Added: 

Tina and James have decided to split the funds raised with the mechanic to aid in his recovery. We have almost reached our goal in one day! I guess I underestimated everyone's generosity. Their boat cost $7000 so let's just keep the momentum up for both families! Thank you all again and again!!!