I reached out to Andrew Breitbart over the weekend with a simple plea: Haiti needs assistance. Can you help? Within seconds, I had the answer I was hoping for — a resounding “Yes!”
I own a jet charter service that operates a fleet of Boeing 737s. Haiti needs medical supplies, surgeons, nurses, rescue workers, food, water and the only way to get it there quickly is by air. Haiti needs to Medevac the critically injured to US hospitals, and orphans need to be flown to homes in the US. The vital link in all the countless ways people are providing help in Haiti is air transportation.
This is our mission, to support the ongoing relief effort in Haiti with air transportation logistics.
We have three Boeing 737’s and two King Air turbo props. What we don’t have is fuel (yet).
We need you. We need immediate donations to cover our fuel and related expenses. Fuel costs money.
Please visit www.airlifthaiti.org and give. Time is of the essence and many lives are precariously hanging in the balance.
Andrew Breitbart’s passion and enthusiasm for this project as well as his many connections to people in all walks of life, and his dedication and hard work are nothing short of inspiring.
Please join with us in this, the noblest of all missions — saving lives.
Some of your favorite bloggers from biggovernment.com, bigjournalism.com and bighollywood.com are rolling up their sleeves and will be traveling with us, not just as embedded writers, reporters and videographers, but as volunteers to work alongside the many other heroes who have found their way to Haiti.
You can contact us at info@airlifthaiti.org.
Thank you in advance for anything you can do.
Eric Haymes
Icon Jet, LLC
468 North Camden Ste 353
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-385-9163
**UPDATE**
We understand the difficulties getting aircraft getting in and out of Port-au-Prince, that is why we are working in concert with the organization already on the ground. We are providing the logistic support for these relief networks already functioning in Haiti; we move at their direction.
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Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has been in Haiti a long time, operating and building churches, schools and orphanages. They not only help people with immediate needs in times like these, but stay to help rebuild.
Out of every dollar donated to ERD, 92 cents goes to those who need help. ERD workers operate on only 8 cents per dollar. Many workers are unpaid so that more money can go to those who need help.
This is a great organization that keeps those it helps in the forefront. Consider them if you donate.
Good Luck!
Mr. Haymes, with all due respect, I commented on your earlier thread that you posted at Big Government and normally would have let it drop at that. Your "Update" makes me comment further:
**UPDATE**
We understand the difficulties getting aircraft getting in and out of Port-au-Prince, that is why we are working in concert with the organization already on the ground. We are providing the logistic support for these relief networks already functioning in Haiti; we move at their direction.
What is the "Organization" currnetly on the ground? Specifically?
If you are providing "logistic suport", then you are not providing air travel, Is that a correct assumption?
If you move at their direction, then why don't "they" buy the fuel?
You have a Beverly Hills address. That area is cash flush, as opposed to asking for nickels and dimes from everyday hard working Americans, who have already given at the office; why not amble on down to the Beverly Hills Hilton, or the Breakers or some other high dollar hang out, and pass the hat? There are enough high end folk there, who would love to help out. it would make them feel good, and give them something to talk about at cocktail parties. Hell, they could even adopt a Hatian orphan. I'm sure Angelina Jolie would write the first check.
I have supported Breitbart from day one. I have even spent too much valuable time, blogging here and giving irrelevant opinions. I do know this: Breitbarts deal works, because it does. Granted, it is a top down model, but it works. Although Andrew is building his own Media Empire, and will make a fortune doing so, that is his business, and is a testament to our capitalist system. Take this to the bank, and I hope everyone here, and Big Government takes note of it, the minute this outfit starts supporting every huckster with a cause, is the minute this forum will loose all credability and come crashing down. Please take what I say with all sincerity and respect, but if Breitbart supports you, and this, then that means next week he will have to support Al Sharpton, Jessee Jackson and the next Tawana Brawley fiasco. Everyone looking for a buck will be here.
And WE, the people no longer will.
Lastly, Haiti has been on the radar screen since Bill Clinton spent billions of OUR dollars there in the 90's. We never had a voice in that. As Americans, we are growing tired of footing the bills for every third and fourth world shithole that needs reconstructed.
Jean Bertrand Aristide was their ousted Presidente' that Bill Clinton supported. he abscounded with hundreds od millions of OUR dollars and is living in exile.
How much is Aristide giving?
How much is Danny Glover, or George Clooney giving? The left continually slaps US across the face, and insults on a 24/7 basis, yet when the feces hits the fan, what do they do? They call US.
By all means help the people of Haiti. They need it!
But, please, do not bring lots of Haitians to the U.S. unless you will ensure that they return home once their medical treatment has been completed. We have too many immigrants (both legal and illegal) at the moment — the last thing this country needs right now is more immigrants!
i sent an email pledge to ..".You can contact us at info@airlifthaiti.org."..and it came back undeliverable…I think you're correct…all the LimoLibs should donate more as they are working and some of us contractors are NOT….
Why don't you offer Haitians free flights to Senegal where the president has offered free land to Haitians "repatriating" themselves to Africa:
Senegal offers land to Haitians that want to come
Why don't you offer Haitians free flights to Senegal where the president has offered free land to Haitians "repatriating" themselves to Africa:
Senegal offers land to Haitians that want to come
Why don't you offer Haitians free flights to Senegal where the president has offered free land to Haitians "repatriating" themselves to Africa:
Senegal offers land to Haitians that want to come
I'm sorry; perhaps it is just me, being a tired, jaded, old cynic. It doesn't pass the smell test. Yesterday, on Big Government, there was a photo of a terrified little boy, taken during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during World War II.
I look at this photo here, and something inside me tells me it wasn't even taken in Haiti. Sorry, just a gut feeling, but I'd bet on it. Look hard at the photo………………
Well if it does not pass the smell test go to:
http://www.blackfive.net/
And read the reports from some of our ex Special Operations Forces medics who are down there now. You may get a better understanding of the need down there. As for the side issues, I'll let you pick your ground and I'll pick my ground. I will support people who are helping save lives.
With all due respect, at this juncture it ought be best I refrain from commenting further. This issue is too emotional for a lot of folks and perhaps the old adage would best apply, that indeed: discretion is the better part of valor.
Many in Haiti, know their God and Know that he will never put more on them than they can bear!!! There is as much jubilation from this disaster as there is tragedy, each individual suffers his/her own revelation, the ones directly involved are the ones affected!!!!! Some have heart felt obligations, some see an opportunity for success, God (Even if you have to deny him), will sort it all out)) his workers will be inspired and the opposite will be just as prevalent!!!!!!!!
Just for the record Cowboy Logic……"I feel your Pain"…………..
It is likely this request is based on the fact that these charter airplanes are not being used due to the economy and if they are going to remain airworthy they must fly. Flying requires fuel, fuel requires money. No charters, no money, no fuel.
So to solve this problem seek donations under the guise of humanitartian aid and solve actually two problems. One, get the planes flying again and two, write off the cost of maintenance, pilot salaries, parts, etc. to the taxpayer as Congress is scrambling to allow Haiti donations to be tax deductible on the 2009 tax returns.
This is why this guy has a Beverly Hills address.
Neither the request, the people it will help or anything about the request bothers me. Maybe I'm just dumb ass 70 year old.
As soon as they get the online donation fixed, I'll be send what I can afford.
Sorry folks.
The deal doesn't pass the smell test. You all need to do your own due diligence. This outfit is begging for fuel dollars, wanting to tug at your heart strings, and your wallets. They need fuel to fly a plane that should haul 150 people, but is retrofitted to haul 30. In luxury.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-31hnS6W_g
I suppose you're gonna buy the idea that they are going to put bloody, battered, festering, infected Hatians in this luxury jet, and fly them where? I'll bet lobster is on the menu.
Cowboy, you pick up on my thinking and your link has proved it. Think that the Beverly Hills charter owner has plans to sent a few of his neighbors to Haiti for a few hours in the luxury that you've uncovered then fly them back a few hours later so they can brag to their cohorts on their unselfish humanitarian actions?
You're dead on on this one. "We need immediate donations to cover our fuel and related expenses". The key word here is "expenses" and unfortunately, he's likely to pull this off.
I forgot to add…I'm disappointed at Brietbart for allowing this to be posted. It plays all of us fans of Brietbart as potential suckers.
Yep.
I've researched this today. It was posted over at Big Government, and didn't pass the smell test. I've had more scams and games and bullshit run on me in my life, that I can normally smell it. A little due diligence works well, and goes a long way.
I sure hope Breitbart isn't amigos with this huckster of a charlatan. I sure hope he wasn't going along on the free plane ride, if so, his credability just went down the shitter as far as I'm concerned.
Years ago, when I had a lot of use for it, I had a plane. Do you know how I got my fuel? I paid for it myself.
My father owned a Luskim (sp) and he paid for his fuel too, as you know from previous postings. I give AB and BG a little slack here, for what they have all done for us. I am researching.
seeing those kids does tug at my heart, as I chose not to have any, and was adopted by a wonderful father.
Personally, I give them alot of slack, as I believe in Breitbart, but this is one of those deals that can be either, or………
Either he was duped,
or………………………………………..
He better get out in front of this.
"If you're being satirical or facetious, I can appreciate that." ….Thanks…This Obamanation is about to get to us all, a little humor never hurts, every now and then!!! I'm on your side, but I have to work tomorrow to pay for all their giveaways so I have to quote Bill Clinton every now and then, one of the biggest louses to pollute the earth with waste carbon!!!!!!!!!!
" Haiti needs to Medevac the critically injured to US hospitals, and orphans need to be flown to homes in the US. The vital link in all the countless ways people are providing help in Haiti is air transportation."
That was from the first paragraph.
"We are providing the logistic support for these relief networks already functioning in Haiti; we move at their direction."
That was from the **Update**
"Airlift Haiti is an affiliated organization of Godspeed Aeromedical, a charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to support medical relief throughout the world. Contributions are collected through The Wellbeck Foundation, a 501-3C."
That was from the weblink.
So, my question is, which is it?
The more I look at this, the worse it stinks…………
As I recall, ACORN was a 501 (3)(c) organization. That's not to say that all of them are bad. But that also is not to say that all are good, or trustworthy……..
To Senigal, of course…
I'm even MORE disappointed in him, for removing a perfectly good post of mine, which was just composed about FACTS about Haiti and our almost 100 year and billions of dollars and many years of Marines being stationed there to "help" ( 1915-1934 ), having been removed earlier. What is the moderator so afraid of…………..the truth ?
And don't forget that our government isn't allowing people from Texas to fly to Haiti, with aid of all kinds. So why would this group be allowed to fly there ?
I don't know Cowboy. This one may be ok.
If we assume for a moment that this is a scam, scammers usually divert the donations to weird places. The donate page at airlifthaiti.org matches the PO box for the Wellbeck Institute at wellbeck.org. The site airlifthaiti.org was registered on Jan 17, by Domain By Proxy. (A company that masks the registrars name but that isn't anything unusual.) The contact phone number at airlift.org is the same number as listed at iconjet.org. Icon Jet LLC is confirmed to be real and owned by Eric Haymes and their site was registered on Sep 17 2008 by Domain By Proxy. The site wellbeck.org was registered back in 2004 by the Wellbeck Foundation. That foundation appears to be real and has a tax exempt status since 05. They seem to be primarily concerned with agriculture issues but from their site they also say:
"The Foundation is focused on providing aid to individuals, communities and civic agencies that demonstrate financial hardship due to an economic and or weather disaster."
Now, it looks like this is OK as of right now. Anyone checking out airlifthaiti.org will be directed to a PO Box that is indeed confirmed to go straight to the Wellbeck Foundation. So, no wonky addresses in some foreign country.
I can't find anything on a "Godspeed Aeromedical LLC". That doesn't mean it's not real though.
Also the Wellbeck Institute isn't listed at charitywatch.org, bbb.org, or charitynavigator.org. It is however listed at the lovely irs.gov as a charity.
Now all that said…. the request for fuel money also strikes me as a bit…. well odd. But it really does look like everything is in order despite that. At least in as much as the donations go exactly where they claim they will: the Wellbeck Foundation.
Folks I don't think you understand how bad things are down their. I think Andrew Breitbart knows who is dealing with on this one. If you don't Donate to this Organization then please help another out. Infections are starting to spread from minor cuts. Limbs are being amputated due to bones being broken and not treated. It could start raining any day and bring up a whole new set of issues. They need our help down there, lets deal with the side issues latter. Twice as many people may die after the earthquake than the original death toll. Help these people now!
Just like the world has helped "US", and supported "US" in the War on Terror, and Nation Building, eh?
This has nothing to do with good or evil, nor God, nor Pat Robertson or even Danny Glover. This has a lot to do with luck. Sometimes, when the line is drawn, some folks are unfortunately on the wrong side of the line. Sound harsh? Perhaps. Thats the way it is. Sometimes, ya just gotta say "whoa", enough is enough.
Do you realize that the amount of money Jean Bertrand Aristide stole from Haiti, could have rebuilt a substantial portion of New Orleans?
OK… you've got me thinking Cowboy. (Scary I know.)
I was originally thinking Godspeed Aeromedical was formed this year. (Hence not in any databases yet.) However the claim is that it was formed in 2005. Still, it's been in operation for 5 years and maybe they just didn't get into any database. Anywhere. The email info@airlifthaiti.org as of right now is not functioning. (I get a returned message.) That -could- be simply a messed setup though. The website is new. And of course the Wellbeck Foundation just happens not to be listed in any charity watchdog group's list. It is a small charity that works out of San Diego though.
OK, that's one too many "if"'s. There's enough of a question in my mind that I'd be concerned about a donation.
That doesn't necessarily mean this is a scam though. I mean, there could be a reasonable explanation for all of that. I think it should be addressed though. It is -always- a good idea to be absolutely certain where and to whom your money is going to when donating to a charity. Especially with all those scammers running amok on the 'net these days.
No. You don't. I don't have any.
Further, I am not going to buy into any nonsense, nor a guilt trip.
If you're being satirical or facetious, I can appreciate that.
If you're not, you can simply kiss my azz.
If they are flying help into Haiti that's great. I have heard from missionary friends presently in Haiti – the situation is truly desperate. I donated at my church, as I'm sure many others have.
I have absolutely no association with the BRESMA orphanage, but I saw online had run out of water and food so I contacted my missionary friends to try to help. I was amazed that they received my message and replied. They were trying to send help, but by that time BRESMA had received help. Many of those children had already been adopted, but were in the process of going to their new homes. I know they needed planes to leave Haiti, they apparently got them since they are now in Pittsburgh.
The Blackfive blog has been accepting donations for a team now on the ground in Haiti – former military guys – but they were trying to raise money for doctors to fly into Haiti. Seems like these two should get together.
I know may be wrong, but I don't think this is a scam. I believe Mr. Haymes is trying to help and I commend him for that.
I agree with Cowboy though that I am sick of my tax dollars going to dictators and crooks! Enough already! I don't care how they do it, but get our money back from that Aristide clown. Use it for Haiti or return it to us! Heck, I'm all for sending the SEALS after him and making him cough up the money. Of course, that's just my fun fantasy.
Just saw this video of a rescue in Haiti with chants of USA – really neat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m7OXtze6CA&fe...
Real people…. Real disaster…. Real humanitarian aid needed!
Have requests been sent out to our Hollywood elitists to have their unused yachts sent to Haiti so the folks needing an offshore temporary shelter?
I would hope that everyone can pull together and help these people.
It is my hope that the left will learn from this that even as great as they think President Obama is, he also has no magic wand to fix this problem any better than President Bush could.
Mr. Eric Haymes:
I am not going to let this drop. You said:
"Some of your favorite bloggers from biggovernment.com, bigjournalism.com and bighollywood.com are rolling up their sleeves and will be traveling with us, not just as embedded writers, reporters and videographers, but as volunteers to work alongside the many other heroes who have found their way to Haiti."
Who?
I see there are 1,400 flights backed up, headed to Haiti. What will give you special clearance, and special priviledges to land?
I am not buying your plea, nor your story. It is time to put up, or shut up. I think you are using Breitbart's good name to feather your own nest. I smell a Beverly Hills Charlatan, and opportunist.
It is time to come clean. Put up, or shut up.
This thread will not get buried in the archives.
Hey Cowboy,
I see you have been busy here and on other sites trying like mad to make sure nobody makes a move you don't approve. Were you a hall monitor in middle school? If not, that was an opportunity missed. I don't mean to be mean here, but I have been reading your posts for several days and have been amazed by your certainty that someone is up to no good here.
May I ask you a question? Do you know Eric Haymes? May I ask if you have called him and talked to him about the problem you have with what he is doing? I feel quit sure that you could resolve any issues you have about what he is trying to do with a 10 minute phone call that he listed here.
Now for some of my own investigation. I wanted to see if this guy was for real too, so I did some digging and found a very cool article from 2004 that shed some light on this person.
http://articles.latimes.com/2004/dec/19/local/me-...
Also, I was wondering if you (Cowboy Logic) have given any sizable amount of money (more than pocket change) or have signed up to help the people of Haiti yet? I don't mean to be judgemental about what you may or may not have already done in response to the crisis, but I would like to challenge you to spend your time on something constructive. Condemning someone that you have never spoken to and have no idea about seems counterproductive to me. I think that he is "doing something" to help by offering his time and multimillion dollar aircraft to those in need. I plan to call Mr. Haymes today and I will let you know what I find out right here on this blog.
Please don't take my words here as anything more than another human being trying to urge you to be open to the possibility that Mr. Haymes may just being doing the good and noble thing.
Have a great day and let's all continue to do what we can do for those people in the world that need help.
GVoice is an absolute lifesaver. I can’t believe the functionality that it offers, such as the ability to have a brand new number. I’ve got some invites if anyone wants any. Also I hope that Apple rethinks the GVoice App, hwo could such an awesome program get not accepted by Apple?
I always learn something new
great post! I really love your nice blog! I also commented at your other post that I thought was awesome. oh and if you can also check out my nursing blog that would be really cool.
wasnt expecting all the negativity but hope all of you luck in life and love! I wont be back to this adoption post just wanted to share some info with the topic. But didnt turn out very well. Goodluck everyone!
[...] Urgent Appeal — Please Help Us to Help the People of Haiti! – BigEric Haymes; Icon Jet, LLC; 468 North Camden Ste 353; Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310-385-9163 … Posted by Eric Haymes Jan 19th 2010 at 11:55 am in Featured Story, New Media | Comments(45) … May I ask you a question? Do you know Eric Haymes? May I ask if you have called him and talked to him about the problem you have with… [...]
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