A few days ago, our dad’s garage caught fire. Within minutes, everything was gone. His workshop, his “man cave,” and the place he spent countless peaceful hours, burned to the ground.

We are beyond grateful he is safe, and nobody was injured. We don’t know what caused the fire, but we are glad the fire didn't catch to the house.

Thankfully, he wasn’t inside the garage when it happened. He had just finished his lunch inside the house when we walked outside and saw smoke coming from the garage. The fire department arrived within 15 minutes, but by then it was too late. The flames had taken hold, and the garage and all its contents were lost.

Because of the hurricanes and tornadoes in the Pasadena area, insurance companies no longer write policies here. The house was paid off, and they did not have home insurance. There is no claim to file. No reimbursement coming.

Personal keepsakes, antiques and treasures our dad had been collecting for 40+ years were in that garage. Along with both his 1980 Harley Davidson Sportster he had been restoring, 2021 Harley Davidson Road King, tools and workshop equipment, a brand new AC unit, generator, firearms, and ammunition. The only thing covered by insurance was his Harley Road King.

This wasn’t just a garage. It was his retreat. His safe space. His place to tinker, restore, collect, and just be. It is an emotional loss for our dad, no longer being able to be surrounded by or connected to the place he felt safe.

On top of everything, the city has required that the debris be cleared within a week or they will do it themselves and bill my parents. Cleanup quotes range from a few thousand dollars for a dumpster rental to $5,000 or more for full professional debris removal. The city has already sent a bill for demolishing the garage.

Right now, our immediate goal is simple:

1. Raise enough money to safely clear the site

2. Provide financial relief for our senior dad and mom

Anything beyond that will go toward rebuilding a modest, safe workshop space where our dad can once again have a place to sit with his treasures, work with his hands, and regain a piece of what he lost.

If you know my dad, you know he’s not someone who asks for help. So we’re asking on his behalf.

If you’re able to give, whether it’s $10, $50, or more, it would mean the world to our family. If you can’t donate, sharing this page with others will further our reach.

Thank you for helping us turn devastation into something hopeful.