Keep Ellis Island Records Free & Assist the Recovery

I received this email from The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation and I thought I would pass it along to my readers.  I wasn't aware that the it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy and they are trying to recover.

Dear Renee, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation needs your help to continue to provide free access to our valuable, historical archive of immigration records. For years we have provided these documents—including your ancestor's—free to the public at Ellis Island and on www.ellisisland.org. Our website and content are costly to operate and maintain and this year we have the additional burden of recovering from Hurricane Sandy damage. That is why we are reaching out to friends and supporters at this difficult time. As you may know, Liberty and Ellis Islands were severely impacted by the destruction caused by the hurricane. Portions of both islands were flooded, causing power loss, damaged property and most importantly—closing the islands to visitors. At Ellis, all of our technology, digital infrastructure and servers that support the American Family Immigration History Center® were completely destroyed. Luckily, the immigration database was kept offsite and has remained accessible for free atwww.ellisisland.org. But the cost to replace and install the new equipment is close to $2 million. This is another compelling reason we are asking for your help. Please consider making a gift of $50, $75 or $100 in support of these important initiatives. Click here to make your contribution online now. Another way to keep the Ellis Island Records Free is by adding a loved one's name to The American Immigrant Wall of Honor®where more than 700,000 family names are inscribed in moving tribute to the power of family heritage. With a gift of $150 your family's name can be inscribed on the Wall of Honor when Ellis Island reopens later this year. Learn more and register here or call the Foundation Office at 212-561-4500. We are a non-profit organization that does not receive a dime of government funding. So whether by registering a Wall of Honor name or simply making a donation, your contribution is crucial to our success. Can we count on your support to Keep the Ellis Island Immigration Records Free and put the Family History Center back on its feet? Please make your gift online now at www.ellisisland.org. And as our "ThankYou" we'd like to offer our expert staff to help you search for your family immigration documents in our Ellis Island Records. You can call our team for assistance at 212-561-4588. As always, I am deeply grateful for your ongoing interest and support. Sincerely, Lee A. Iacocca Founding Chairman