Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

Pedal to the Rescue Website

"Tommy, if you bump this fist, there's no going back."

Two childhood friends, Michael Vansuilichem (Mikey), and Thomas Gehl II (Tommy), set out to make due on an old adventurous idea with a foundational twist. Mikey and Tommy will set off on a one way ~2,400 mile pedal bike endeavor across the United States from their hometown of Caledonia, Michigan, to Los Angeles, California.

The overall goal of this adventure is to spread awareness for the Los Angeles wildfires, and to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, where they supply firefighters in Los Angeles with the equipment necessary to fight fires safely. This fundraising effort will hope to supply funds for: fire helmets, fire-proof suits, and extractors that remove carcinogens, or cancer causing agents from their smoke-covered suits. The funds raised will also fund programs such as the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) youth programs where they teach young firefighting prospects what its like being a firefighter.

The LAFD has been contacted and have approved this fundraising effort by Mikey and Tommy.

The goal departure date of this fundraising effort is June 9th.

Prior to setting off on this trek, both Mikey and Tommy will be finishing their next steps in education. Mikey will be completing his second Bachelor's (Medical Laboratory Science), as Tommy completes his Masters Degree in Management.

"What a better time to take a crazy trip than before the start of our careers?!"

For safety, the pedaling duo will have a support RV on stand-by. But hope to use it minimally. On nights appropriate, the duo would like to camp out in tents, see sights, and explore the United States as they raise fund and awareness for the LAFD.

The duo is excited to meet new people along the way, and to spread the word of their fundraising mission. The two hope to be uploading and posting about the ~3,200 mile adventure on their website, and would love for anyone who is interested to follow along via social media, so that everyone can be a part of this lifechanging experience.

Here, you can find access to all of the team's socials, and more information about the duo and the fundraiser. There is also a blog and a map that will be updated as we travel so you can stay updated on the adventure!

TL;DR: I'm running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department and my race sponsor, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I would greatly appreciate any and all support—no donation is too small (or too large)!

On January 7th, the entire country watched as the Palisades Fire ignited and rapidly spread. Day after day, the flames raged on, leaving destruction in their wake. By January 31st, 24 days after the fire first started, CAL FIRE finally reported full containment. However, by then, nearly 25,000 acres had burned, almost 7,000 structures had been destroyed, multiple lives had been lost, and countless irreplaceable mementos were gone forever.

Like many who grew up on the very streets that were burning but no longer lived in the area, I felt helpless as I watched the devastation unfold. I saw people, including my father, abandon everything they owned and escape the flames with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Other than constantly checking in with family and friends to ensure their safety and well-being, I didn’t know what else to do. But I knew I wanted to help the community that had given me so much. That’s when I came up with the idea of running the Chicago Marathon and fundraising for the very firefighters who risked their lives to save my hometown.

I quickly reached out to the closed marathon registration to ask if I could run on behalf of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I was told that all charity organizations had to be pre-approved and that I would need to find one already on their list. After sending out many cold emails to organizations, I finally found one that would accept me off their waitlist—St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As a result, the first $2,100 I raise will be donated to St. Jude as my race entrance agreement. Then, anything I am fortunate enough to raise beyond that will go directly to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

Please join me in thanking the more than 5,000 firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain this horrific disaster. Any and all donations, shares, and/or words of encouragement are greatly appreciated!

We are the Lenox Hill Hospital Community Outreach Council. We want to raise money for the Los Angeles Fire Department for all of their hard work and dedication that has gone into battling the Palisades wildfires.

These wildfires destroyed thousands of structures and homes and upended many families' lives in its wake. The brave firefighters who fought to contain these fires and stop their spread deserve to be remembered as heroes, and we want to offer what we can to show them appreciation.

Picture taken by NBC News

As you’ve already heard, the LA fires have destroyed more than a quarter of a million acres. Day and night, our firemen are on the front lines. Now they need our support more than ever as the fires continue to grow day by day. Let’s help them by letting them know they are appreciated and supported!

This GoFundMe is dedicated to helping the firemen on the frontlines of the fires. Anyone can donate, even if it's just $1. Anything is better than nothing!

- Judith and Royce Oh, members of the Special Choir’s Club of the Lion’s Club International

My name is Jerson Contreras and I’m raising money for our heroes, firefighters who are on the front lines of this massive wildfire that has destroyed several homes, taken lives, and destroyed families. These brave firefighters are risking their lives and saving lives and are still battling with this destruction. We need to help our heroes.

Los Angeles wildfires have taken a devastating toll, and our firefighters need support.

Join our charity auction, where 100% of proceeds go directly to wildfire relief. To bid on exclusive items and experiences, purchase a raffle ticket on-site for $25.

Every ticket purchased and bid placed helps provide critical support to those on the front lines.

Hi Everyone! We are the Elk Grove, CA Junior Youth Group, a fun, enthusiastic, and caring group of young people ready to change the world! Please help us raise funds to help the Los Angeles Wildfires and its victims! All donations will go directly to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation!

The devastating wildfires throughout LA have brought unimaginable destruction, displacing families, devastating communities, and even directly impacting some of our clients and team members. The scale of this tragedy is difficult to comprehend, and now more than ever, we want to unite in solidarity to support those in need.

We created a GoFundMe page to pool resources and make an impactful donation supporting wildfire relief efforts. To further amplify our collective impact, we will match team donations up to a collective total of $1,000. Thanks in advance for your support!

The Internal Engagement Committee is hosting a fundraising event to gather Abbott's Operations PDPs together to raise money to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Together, we plan to raise money to support our firefighters and the work they do to keep California safe, especially in light of the recent LA fires. All money raised in this fund will be donated directly to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

This Semester the Alpha Tau Omega Delta Delta Chapter at UNH will be raising money for the Los Anegeles Fire Department to help show our support and aid the efforts to help the city of Los Anegeles.

Wildfires have profoundly impacted Los Angeles, devastating communities, displacing families, and reshaping the landscape of the city. The effects of these fires will be felt for years to come, and while the road to recovery is long, we want to do our part in supporting those affected.

With an office and team members in Los Angeles—and strong personal and professional ties to the region across our firm—this cause hits close to home for many of us. A number of Cascadians have asked how they can help or if the firm is organizing any relief efforts. In response, we’re creating this platform for those who want to contribute. There is absolutely no obligation to donate—this is simply an opportunity for anyone who feels compelled to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.

All donations will go directly toward the Los Angeles Fire Department to support wildfire relief efforts. Contributions can be made anonymously, and every dollar makes a difference.

Thank you for joining us in supporting Los Angeles.