Spirit of Johnstown
A Gift to the City of New Orleans -
Because We Know Exactly
What They're Going Through
What is Spirit of Johnstown?
As flood survivors, the community of Johnstown, Pennsylvania knows what it takes to get the recovery ball rolling after a devastating flood. While adequate food, clothing and shelter are needed for flood victims on a daily basis, Johnstowners understand that restoring municipal infrastructure systems, such as flooded and blocked sewage lines, is the fastest way to economic recovery.
 
The Spirit of Johnstown is community-wide fundraising campaign designed to raise money to speed that process along for the City of New Orleans. How? By working together to build a brand new, state-of-the-art industrial vacuum truck and donating it to the CIty of New Orleans for ongoing clean-up efforts. The MC 1510 power machine will be manufactured by Johnstown-based GapVax, Inc. and donated to the City of New Orleans in February to be added as a permanent part of New Orleans' municipal fleet.
 

Who can participate in Spirit of Johnstown?

Anyone with a desire to help can be a part of Spirit of Johnstown. To date, several GapVax suppliers have agreed to donate component parts. Throughout November, GapVax representatives will reach out to Johnstown-area businesses for financial contributions to further help offset production costs. Community-wide fundraising projects are also planned. Advertisements have been placed in industry trade publications inviting suppliers from across the country to participate.
 
Why does New Orleans need a truck like the MC 1510?
The GapVax MC 1510 is one of the most advanced industrial vacuum trucks on the market today. Its galvanized steel tube trays, stainless steel water tank and X-10 debris body are specially designed to handle water and debris clean-up an essential combination for fast, effective flood clean-up efforts. Its front-mounted boom can manage 1,000 pounds and reach 26 feet, helping to ensure that hard-to-reach areas are cleared of toxic sludge that can impede recovery efforts.
 
Are my contributions tax-deductible?
Absolutely. GapVax, Inc. has joined in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies to develop a tax-deductible fund for the project. All contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. All donations, whether parts or financial contributions, will be used solely to manufacture and deliver the new MC 1510 to the City of New Orleans by February, 2006. If donations exceed the cost of the project, the remaining fund will be used to purchase supplies for the truck and will go toward the production of another vehicle for the City of New Orleans.
 

How can I get involved?
It's as simple as visiting www.cfalleghenies.org or calling the Community Foundation at (814) 536-7741. Your one-time donation will help make this vision a reality and enable New Orleans to add a much-needed industrial vacuum truck to its devastated fleet for immediate and post-hurricane clean-up efforts.
 
How did Spirit of Johnstown get started?
In 1977, Johnstown natives Gary and Rose Poborsky, founder of Gap Pollution and Environmental Control, were on the front line of Johnstown's clean-up efforts after that year's unexpected flood. After purchasing their first pumper truck, they helped clear the city's clogged maze of pipes and drains, as well as its buildings - the critical first steps to recovery. Today, with more than 300 employees in three states, it's an experience they have never forgotten. The Spirit of Johnstown is their tribute to who refuse to give up in the face of adversity, a tribute that takes the unconventional but critically important shape of an advanced cleaning machine that will benefit the City of New Orleans and its hurricane victims for years to come.
 
Spirit of Johnstown is a 501c3 fund administered by the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies with initial support provided by GapVax, Inc. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.cfalleghenies.org or call (814) 536-7741.