Help Dietrich and Zeus Rebuild After Van Accident

Hello Friends,

Clover and Victori here, calling upon those who share our love and compassion for Dietrich McGaffey. On December 12, 2024, Dietrich and little Zeus were caught in an unfortunate snowstorm and slid out of control on black ice while driving from Portland to Tahoe for work with High Rock Security. They spun off the road and into a tree, effectively totaling the van, losing their home, and abandoning them in a snowstorm alone on a deserted highway at 10 pm. The van was deemed a total loss, and insurance did not cover any damages or costs for removal and replacement.

As many of us in the industry know, a van home is not just a mode of transportation, but a storage for all of our lives, a shelter that we can feel safe and secure in, as well as a consistent home and safety for Zeus while Dietrich is working. The production season is upon us and Dietrich’s need increases by the day. Luckily, a van has been found through a trusted friend, for a reasonable price, and while they have been saving and cutting costs and trying their hardest, we all know how slow the winter season is, especially with the loss of many favorite festivals this season.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the services or presence of Dietrich at your events, or they’ve gotten you a job/role/ticket to a meaningful experience. Please consider this a chance paying it forward for those of the future.

Since the loss of their van/home, this winter Dietrich has been able to recover much of their possessions, pivot to temporary and safe housing while continuing to be on top of work contracts and traveling to work sites, despite incurring additional costs. The addition of extras costs (rentals, Ubers, hotels, etc.) have made purchasing a new vehicle a much more challenging task. The loss of transportation, resting place, and autonomy has prevented Dietrich from effectively earning or saving through the lean winter season.

You may be wondering, WHY ASK NOW?

Well.. 1. AuDHD, CPTSD, and…

Has Dietrich been in several accidents over the last few years? YES! Is Dietrich mortified of asking for community support in this way? Definitely! Does it feel terribly strange to display themselves in public especially during such strange times? ALSO YES! Is it still important to do so? ABSOLUTELY! So, here we are!

Luckily! The end is nigh! They have many work contracts lined up starting NEXT WEEK, and the immediately available van is currently in the shop and has already started the most urgent of repairs!

Here’s what the van needs and our Direct Ask

IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT GOAL= $5,300

Accident Expenses: $800

$100 hotel night of

$50 Uber to Reno

$150 Uhaul truck

$50 from Reno to Palm Springs

$50 gas to and from Reno and crashsite to load belongings

$400 for disposal of the van (not covered by insurance either)

Van Expenses: $4,500

$600 to current owner

$1,600 for urgent mechanical needs (battery, suspension, valve leak)

$2,000 for safety updates (brakes, tires, alignment & misc)

$300 for title transfer, registration, and plates

Expenses of accident + expenses of new van = $5,300

ABUNDANCE - fall & winter job offers, positive words of affirmation, your favorite memory/meal/moment with Dietrich (emotional support super appreciated! It’s been a lot to carry on their own).

SUPPORT WITH ERRANDS (San Diego, Eugene, Santa Barbara) -Support in organizing and selling items in storage: Help Dietrich clear storage units in Eugene, Santa Barbara, and San Diego: (are you skilled in Marketplace-fu? Can you help sort, organize, or meet buyers at the storage unit? (You could do just one, or many!))

Future Vanifestation:

The current van is an immediate and emergency provision to get Dietrich back on their feet, on the road for the imminent tour, present and accounted for at work. However! The long term goal is to acquire a larger and more functional conversion built van.

Do you have Dietrich’s van-of-their-dreams?

–High roof T1N turbo diesel sprinter, 2003-2006. Well maintained.

–Queen bed, solar/batteries, kitchenette, storage etc.

–Aiming for $15,000-20,000 or under.

Or

-Van without a build? Around $10,000? Cool!

OFFER A LOAN?

Are you blessed with financial security that you can share in the way of a loan to help the immediate need?