Profile | Denise Russo

Hi. I am sitting in the warmth of my temporary apartment, sitting on furniture that was donated, wearing clothes that were given to us, and digesting a full meal that was MORE than enough. 100's of people came to our aid after the flooding. Many I have no idea how to reach or who they are... As I reflect on how fortunate and blessed we are, I also am acutely aware that it has been colder in ATL than I can ever remember.. As I look at all of the "things" that people gave us after the floods, I am gently reminded that we have MORE than enough, yet there are so many out there that are still in great need. Not only are there 27000 that were affected by the floods, but there are still 2500 people in my town homeless. My house is still not livable, BUT I have a temporary place to lay my head and to protect my children. We have just gone through all of the donated items and were reminded about not living with excess...so all the long sleeve shirts, coats and blankets that we are not using on a daily basis are going to those who are TRULY in need. God has provided above and beyond what we need...and I wish I could do more. I have no real way of thanking all of you for coming to our aid...so the best way I know how is by providing a free concert to raise funds for those less fortunate than me...I am calling it RESTORATION and it is being held on Thu Jan 21 6pm Trinity Chapel Powder Springs. I am overwhelmed that my celebrity friends have joined me, along with Trinity Chapel, Orange Hill Baptist Church and bipartisan elected officials to present a united FREE event to bridge communities, rebuild homes and restore hope for the heartbroken. I wish ALL of you could be in Atlanta for this essential benefit...but just know that I don't go through one single day without reflecting on all that was given to me... It is not coincidental that I have spent my days working on quenching thirst and working for a cure for the global water crisis...and have been overwhelmed by devasting affects of water through the flooding. I take that responsibility very seriously and look forward to your continued partnership as we heal our world. Luke 12:48 When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Be well and be blessed dear friends... Denise Russo Producer Thirst Aid Live @thirstaidlive

Hi everyone - It has been a short while since I have had an opportunity to post a message here. As many of you know, I lost my car, home and belongings in the Georgia floods in September. Now, 4 months later, my home is still unlivable, FEMA has left our town, 27000 people applied for aid, 2500 are still homeless, $1 bil in damages recorded. HOWEVER, despite this tragedy, God has a plan. I, with the help of my friends, have created RESTORATION a free flood relief benefit concert. The event will be held on Thu Jan 21 (exactly 4 months from the flood date) at 6pm Trinity Chapel in Powder Springs. EVERYONE, from the headlining celebrities, to the producers, stage hands, and vendors are all donating their time and services to make this essential benefit a reality. We are so blessed and our goal is to bridge communities, rebuild homes, and restore hope for the heartbroken. You can find out more about the event at www.trinitychapel.org If you would like to donate to my family directly, we have a paypal site up still account is drusso@successfactors.com We LOVE that many of you have written our children letters and sent gift cards. We are collecting our mail at the post office: Denise Russo attn: Flood Relief 2918 Egret Lane Austell GA 30106 Thank you for supporting us during this obstacle...we are looking forward to RESTORATION, and have lots to tell you about in February regarding Thirst Aid Live and the amazing things we are working on to quench thirst for those who need it most globally... Til then... Be well Denise Russo

Thank you SO much everyone. Your thoughts, prayers, and assistance are VERY appreciated during this difficult obstacle we are challenged with. I will be sending Changents more photos soon...my husband Quinn is a photographer and has captured over 1100 photos of the experience so far (he was even featured on our local Atlanta television news)...just a travesty. The rain continues to pour down...there has been more flooding today...and this is day 20 of this disaster relief. Out of the 5000 residents in my town (Austell), 1/2 have now been declared homeless, including us. There are thousands of people in the metro Atlanta area that have been affected in some way. Our area was hardest hit...as there were hundreds of homes submerged...hundreds of cars...and even my kids' school. Imagine leaving for work one day, and when you return, everything you have is gone. It is a good lesson in letting go of material "things"...we are so thankful though everyone. God has brought so many amazing people to our aid - and the love, compassion, and servants hearts are overwhelming. Thank you again...remember....the GLOBAL water crisis is local, national, and international. It can hit anyone, at any time. We didn't live in a flood zone, yet had over 12 feet of water enter and destroy our home. Be good stewards over your resources locally, help to raise awareness about water and resources nationally, and when you are able, please give globally. There are BILLIONS of people that live in substandard conditions daily. YES, we lost our belongings, my car, my kids' toys, clothes and more...yet they are simply CONVENIENCES, THINGS, MATERIAL GOODS...friends - we have our life, our HEALTH and each other. So many worldwide do not. Please pray for all those that suffer each day.