| NJ-SPJ sponsors GoFundMe house fire appeal for family of Mark Tyler, publisher of Atlantic City Focus |
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| The fundraising appeal was announced by NJ-SPJ board member Krystal Knapp, publisher of New Jersey Vindicator. Dear Friends, Mark Tyler, the publisher of Atlantic City Focus, lost his family home in a fire just two days before Christmas. This was the childhood home he was living in with his brother while caring for their 80-year-old mother. The family lost everything. I spoke with Mark over the weekend, and this has been absolutely devastating. Homeowner’s insurance will cover temporary housing at a hotel only through the end of the month. Mark is now searching for an affordable place to live in this incredibly challenging real estate market while the family begins the long process of rebuilding. If you know Mark, you know he is an optimistic person. “We’ll persevere,” he told me. He is deeply grateful that his mother, who has mobility issues, made it out of the house safely. His beloved dog, Blossom, was not home at the time of the fire. Mark could really use our support right now—through phone calls, emails, and donations. With the blessing of the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, I have set up a GoFundMe, and every dollar raised will go directly to Mark and his family. Any amount is appreciated. Please also help spread the word by sharing this fundraiser via email and on social media. Let’s come together as a journalism community to support one of our own who has worked tirelessly to serve Atlantic City. GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nj-journalist-mark-tyler-and-family-after-house-fire Thank you,Krystal Knapp NJ-SPJ Board member |