“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” ~Voltaire

Everyone on and off Nantucket who followed Adam Nagler’s paddleboard journey from the Chesapeake Bay to Brant Point was fortunate to be part of his unfolding story. What is excellent in Adam enhanced our lives for a moment, and continues to fill us with a feeling that beautifully combines connectedness, admiration, hope, and gratitude.

As a cheering crowd that included board members, staff, and supporters of Fairwinds awaited Adam’s landing, giddy excitement rose, eventually washing over Adam himself as he stepped onto the beach, a huge grin on his exhausted face.

The inspiration of Deep Fog Direct spurred many dozens of donors to give and the Clausen Family Foundation to match all gifts starting last Monday. The momentum and excitement have inspired the Clausens (who were there to greet Adam on Tuesday) to extend their dollar-for-dollar match for anyone who still wishes to give. Since Monday, Adam’s original objective—to raise $35,000 for Fairwinds’ behavioral health services for the un- and underinsured—has been exceeded. Thus far we are at $59,000 and counting!

Mark Clausen says, “Following Adam’s journey up the East Coast and knowing all he went through to help Fairwinds serve the needs of people on this island, it was impossible not to be inspired to help.”

Thanks to the rallying of the whole community behind Deep Fog Direct and Adam Nagler’s historic journey, we are within sight of doubling his initial goal.