Florida tattoo artist holding raffle to help families impacted by Hurricane Ian

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Proper earlier than Hurricane Ian hit, Austin Strongwater says individuals who stay in his RV park in New Smyrna Seashore informed him it by no means floods there, however flood it did. The storm crammed the park with ft of water.

He and his girlfriend Andrea Robbin’s RV flooded they usually misplaced just about every part. 

“It was waist-deep water. All of our stuff acquired washed away. We had no insurance coverage. So we misplaced all our garments,” Strongwater stated. “All of our belongings and that is just about the place we’re at. Simply attempting to place all of the items again collectively.”  

One in all their automobiles was additionally flooded out. Now the couple is attempting to choose up the items, all whereas getting ready for a child on the way in which. 

“Now we have been going by means of lots of struggles like I have not been in a position to return to work as a result of I misplaced my automobile,” Robbin stated. 

Strongwater’s buddy, Kevin Moore, needed to assist, so he put collectively a raffle to lift cash. 

“I really feel like if I can do one thing I ought to do it,” Kevin stated. “I simply had a child myself. I’ve a 7-month-old.  That is a irritating scenario.”

Moore lives in Palm Coast and considers himself fortunate that he escaped Ian’s wrath, however seeing his buddy lose every part made him ask himself how he couple assist. He determined to make use of what he does for a residing: tattooing.

Moore stated he’s giving freely a full-day tattoo session which is value $1,200. Raffle tickets value $50 every.  Thus far, he has raised $1,700, however he hoped to gather much more.  

He works at “Unify Tattoo” in St. Augustine, however up till 4 years in the past, he had a special profession. He was a structural iron employee. 

He stated he broke his neck whereas on the job and couldn’t do this sort of labor anymore. 

“I used to be hungry. I did not have something to eat. I ate blue cheese just a few instances for dinner. I began drawing canine portraits for folks and folks ate it up. I used to be making $50, and I used to be like, ‘oh I can eat.’ Cool,” Moore stated. 

Drawing became tattooing which grew right into a profession.  He stated he is aware of what it’s like to start out over with nothing.

That’s the reason he’s splitting no matter he makes between the Strongwater and the Nelson household from Ormond Seashore. 

He by no means met them however he noticed their submit on Fb and reached out to ask how he might assist. Moore stated they’ve three youngsters they usually had every part they owned on their entrance garden. 

“I simply have an understanding of what it is wish to lose every part, so I believe it is my obligation to assist folks if I might. No matter I can do. I haven’t got so much, however I can do that. If it helps, it helps,” Moore stated. 

(Those that want to assist can contact Moore on his Instagram web page right here.)

The households he’s serving to stated they might not be extra grateful. “I could not consider it. He is an incredible buddy. Tremendous grateful for pals like that,” Strongwater stated.