Rebuilding the Schools of Pacific Palisades

January 7, 2025, is a day we will never forget—a day that changed everything. In just hours, one of the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history tore through Pacific Palisades, reducing homes, schools, and businesses to ash. But it wasn’t just buildings that were lost—it was the heart of a community.

The Palisades was never just a town. It was a sanctuary. It was where childhoods unfolded, where generations made memories—birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, first communions. It was where we cheered from the sidelines of youth basketball, baseball, and soccer games. It was the annual Fourth of July 5k/10k and parade, beach walks with loved ones, and hikes that led to the most breathtaking sunsets. It was a place that felt like home, no matter where life took you.

For me, it was everything. I was born and raised here, attending Corpus Christi Elementary, playing almost every sport, and proudly earning my merit badges in Boy Scouts Troop 400. My first job was at Gelson’s, bagging groceries at 16. I ran these trails with my dad. And now, I’ve had the privilege of watching my own son build friendships and memories here—at least, until the fire took it all away.

And yet, through the devastation, I refuse to believe this is the end of our story.

Pacific Palisades can rebuild, but it starts with its schools. Schools are the heartbeat of a community—where families gather, where friendships are formed, where hope is planted in the next generation. Without schools, families can’t return. And without families, the Palisades is just a place, not a home.

That’s why my dear friend Joan Pi Anfruns and I are running the LA Marathon—to raise funds that will go 100% toward rebuilding our schools. Joan has lived in the Palisades for over 5 years. He has two children who have both attended Palisades Montessori with my son before they moved on to Marquez. Joan has been an integral part of the community since living there, even down to saving countless homes, with our friend Chris, in the highlands over the first 5 days of the fire. When Joan heard this idea he couldnt have been more excited to join because bringing kids back to their classrooms means bringing families back. And bringing families back means restoring the community we love.

Every step we take is for our town’s future. And we can’t do it alone.

Please join us—whether through a donation, a share, or simply cheering us on as we take this journey. Let’s rise from the ashes and bring the Palisades back, together.

-Brian Olds and Joan Pi Anfruns

#PaliStrong #RunForRebuild #RebuildOurSchools