Help Blake and Michelle recover after Malibu - Franklin Fire

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am reaching out on behalf of my son, Blake Geffen, and his wife, Michelle Geffen, who recently experienced a heartbreaking loss due to the Franklin Fire that ravaged parts of Malibu in early December 2024. They are newlyweds, having just married in August 2024, and had just moved into their rental ADU on Serra Road in Malibu. They were living a dream life—close to their beloved Surfrider Beach, where they spent countless hours sharing their love for surfing.

On the night of December 9, 2024, Blake and Michelle were forced to evacuate their home as high winds and the nearby fire made it unsafe to stay. They left with only the essentials—work, important papers, and their beloved cat, Luna. They reassured me that everything would be okay, but by Tuesday, they received the heartbreaking news from a neighbor that their home, the "pink house," was almost entirely destroyed by the wildfire.

Sadly, Blake and Michelle lost everything in the fire—clothes, wedding gifts, photos, jewelry, and personal valuables. Even their cherished surfboards, which were a huge part of their lives, were destroyed. The emotional toll is immense, and the financial burden is even more overwhelming. While their renter’s insurance will cover only a fraction of what’s needed, it will barely help them start over. With Christmas just around the corner, this devastating event has left them with little more than the clothes on their backs and memories of a life they’ve worked so hard to build.

As a mother it’s incredibly painful to watch Blake and Michelle go through this. They’re kind, loving, and resilient, and I know they’ll get through this with time, but they need help to rebuild and find a new home. If you’re able to support them in any way—whether through a donation, kind words, or sharing their story—we would be so grateful.

Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this difficult time. And a thank you to the firefighters and first responders bravely facing these fires and protecting our community.

Sincerely,

Sharon Geffen-Shields

(On behalf of Blake and Michelle Geffen)