Help Ava Šali Rebuild After a Devastating Theft

We are raising funds for Ava Sali—a dancer, daughter, friend, creator, and extraordinary human.

While moving back to New York City for the spring semester at Joffrey Ballet, Ava experienced an unimaginable loss. While her sister’s car was parked in a driveway in Burlingame, California, it was broken into and all of Ava’s belongings were stolen.

Multiple packed suitcases and bags were taken, containing her everyday clothing, dancewear, custom pointe shoes, electronics, all of her Christmas gifts, and the personal items that make up a life in motion. Also stolen were sacred journals and memory boxes, along with irreplaceable gold jewelry and a watch from her late grandmother. Her sister’s wallet was also taken, and debit and gift cards were used, compounding the disruption and stress.

A police report was filed, and the following day a security guard in Oakland discovered a small fraction of Ava’s belongings scattered in a parking lot beside an abandoned stolen car. Through a FaceTime call, Ava was able to identify a few of her items—including her beloved stuffed sheep, Stanley—among what appeared to be the remnants of a larger robbery spree. Sadly, none of the valuable or deeply personal items were recovered. Only a handful of clothing items, two school ID's, a quote card from memory box, and a single shoe were found.

After researching insurance options, we learned that auto insurance does not cover this kind of loss, and homeowners insurance carries a $10,000 deductible, intended for catastrophic events. Ava’s estimated losses total approximately $12,000—a devastating amount for a college student living independently in NYC, far from family support.

Beyond the financial cost is the emotional toll: the loss of journals, keepsakes, quotes, and mementos collected over years—pieces of her history that cannot be replaced.

Ava now faces the urgent task of rebuilding her life and returning to her training with the tools she needs. We hope to help ease that burden by offering financial support during this incredibly vulnerable moment.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping in any way you can. We know there are so many people in need right now, and your kindness means more than words can express.