Hurricane Sandy hit New York and the East Coast hard, and OC friends and family are getting their hands dirty to help those affected. Meet the individuals who are making the recovery happen, all wearing the T-shirt we created to benefit the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youth, which suffered devastating damage from the storm. Next up is Max Stein of the handbag company Reece Hudson.
Name: Max Stein
Occupation: CEO, Reece Hudson
How are you involved in Hurricane Sandy relief? OC's Olivia and I wanted to create a simple way for people to support and donate goods, which we did by hosting a one-day drive immediately following the storm. I was so encouraged to see that so many friends and businesses in the area have been getting involved. We are also working on a more long-term fundraising project. The affected communities are going to need all different kinds of support over the next few years.
What about this experience has been moving to you? I went to college in New Orleans, and though I evacuated for the storm, I returned and lived there in the months and years following Hurricane Katrina. I had the amazing experience of having a mentor in college, a professor named Douglas Brinkely, who wrote the book The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and through Mr. Brinkley was able to meet Spike Lee, who made made his documentary, When the Levees Broke. Through these relationships I was able to be informed and active in the community. I think I will forever be affected by what happened in New Orleans, and I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever experience anything similar in New York. Hurricanes and their aftermath provide me with a unique amount of neurosis.
Independently of Hurricane Sandy efforts, what other causes do you support, and how actively? A great organization is Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation (which I worked with in New Orleans) and I hope we can convince it to bring some resources to New York City. I also like to support causes near and dear to those who are close to me. Every Mother Counts and RxArt are perfect examples.
What can others do to help post-Sandy efforts? There are so many people offering donation and volunteer opportunities. If you can, take advantage of these. Also, think about what might need to be done down the road. The clean-up is really just the first stage.
Shop the OC Surviving Sandy T-Shirt here![]()
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Opening Ceremony Surviving Sandy Tee
Name: Max Stein
Occupation: CEO, Reece Hudson
How are you involved in Hurricane Sandy relief? OC's Olivia and I wanted to create a simple way for people to support and donate goods, which we did by hosting a one-day drive immediately following the storm. I was so encouraged to see that so many friends and businesses in the area have been getting involved. We are also working on a more long-term fundraising project. The affected communities are going to need all different kinds of support over the next few years.
What about this experience has been moving to you? I went to college in New Orleans, and though I evacuated for the storm, I returned and lived there in the months and years following Hurricane Katrina. I had the amazing experience of having a mentor in college, a professor named Douglas Brinkely, who wrote the book The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and through Mr. Brinkley was able to meet Spike Lee, who made made his documentary, When the Levees Broke. Through these relationships I was able to be informed and active in the community. I think I will forever be affected by what happened in New Orleans, and I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever experience anything similar in New York. Hurricanes and their aftermath provide me with a unique amount of neurosis.
Independently of Hurricane Sandy efforts, what other causes do you support, and how actively? A great organization is Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation (which I worked with in New Orleans) and I hope we can convince it to bring some resources to New York City. I also like to support causes near and dear to those who are close to me. Every Mother Counts and RxArt are perfect examples.
What can others do to help post-Sandy efforts? There are so many people offering donation and volunteer opportunities. If you can, take advantage of these. Also, think about what might need to be done down the road. The clean-up is really just the first stage.
Shop the OC Surviving Sandy T-Shirt here
Opening Ceremony Surviving Sandy Tee