Basic Needs For My Family Who Lost Homes & Livelihood.

Dear Friends and Community,

I am reaching out with a heavy heart to share the devastating news about our family, family friends, and specifically my sister, Elizabeth Foldi-Bulgarini, and her family, Leo and Lorenzo Bulgarini.

They have lost everything in the Eaton fires in Altadena, California. The sudden evacuation notice and the rapid spread of the fire left them with no time to gather their belongings. Elizabeth managed to escape with only the clothes on her back, her violin, and the dress for our mother’s funeral, which was tragically cancelled THAT MORNING due to the fires.

Elizabeth, Leo, and their 17-year-old son Lorenzo are now facing unimaginable loss. Our mother passed away on Christmas Eve and we had to cancel her funeral that was to take place the morning of the 8th (Wednesday). Now, they are grappling with the complete destruction of their home, which held cherished memories and irreplaceable items, including family heirlooms and our father’s ashes. He passed away at the onslaught of COVID and we haven’t been able to disburse his ashes to his homeland as per his wishes, yet.

Their home, where Elizabeth and Leo planted roots, was not just a house but a place where they built their family and shared their passions. Leo, a master chef and sommelier, lost his beloved Bulgarini Gelato restaurant, where he created authentic Italian cuisine and gelato. Elizabeth, despite battling Rheumatoid Arthritis, is a concert violinist who has performed at numerous events and was set to play at our mother’s funeral. Lorenzo, a high school soccer player, lost all his soccer gear, trophies, and childhood memorabilia.

To make matters worse, the devastation didn’t end with just the destruction of their home. Their only source of income, the restaurant (BulgariniGelato.com), a beloved local gem, has also tragically been destroyed. This cherished establishment was more than just a restaurant; it was a cornerstone of our community, known for its delicious homemade gelato and food that brought joy to countless people, events, and gatherings. It was the place we held Thanksgivings for friends and family.

Bulgarini Gelato has been a generous supporter of our community, frequently supplying food and gelato to private parties, catering events, weddings, and notable local events such as those at the Huntington Library and various Pasadena celebrations. Their contributions have created lasting memories and brought people together in celebration and joy.

As if there couldn’t be more, our family home where my parents lived and their caregivers, Pat & Gin Rabieb (now in their 70’s) are/were living has also burned-to-the-ground. My wife and I stopped by the evening of the fire and WOKE THEM UP and told them to prepare to leave. Not more than an hour later they had to evacuate. We don’t want to think of what could have happened to them if we didn’t wake them up!! Pat is recently recovering from emergency hospitalization for gallbladder surgery and subsequent liver and respiratory complications and infection. Gin is recovering from eye surgery and macular degeneration. They breathed life into my parents and helped us incredibly. They ARE family. Our family home was their lifeboat to heal…and it sank!

My sister and her family, Pat & Gin are in shock and overwhelmed by the trauma of losing everything. Mortgages still have to be paid regardless if homes are gone - they get nothing if they are foreclosed upon! Currently, they all need essentials to help them get back on their feet, and they would never ask for help themselves. That is why I am reaching out to you.

Now, in their time of need, we have an opportunity. I have set up a GoFundMe account to help the my sister, our family, and friends that do not have the technical means or understanding to create this kind of website.

Please consider donating to this GoFundMe account to help our family, extended family, and friends directly affected by the fires and help them through this incredibly difficult time.

Your support will provide them with the basics they need to get back on their feet and start processing their loss and begin the long journey of creating new lives. No donation is too small, and every bit of help is deeply appreciated.

Even just sharing this message with others who may be willing to help will magnify the effort.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jozsef “Joey” Foldi

Son, Brother, Uncle, & Friend to those above.