Help Karen Serve Hope & Gratitude to Ruidoso

First McBride and now South Fork & Salt Fires, but out of the ashes comes HOPE and SERVICE to others.

(HOST NOTE: My name is Brian Colón, former State Auditor of NM and managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, NM. A team member from our Ruidoso office is one of the family members referenced below)

My name is Karen Roach and my family of seven New Mexicans live in Ruidoso. On April 12, 2022, our home was burned to the ground by the McBride Fire, and we lost everything we owned. After much support and my family’s fortitude, we rebuilt slowly and finally were finally able to embrace some semblance of normalcy and peace. Unfortunately, this past week our community found itself ablaze again in the midst of the South Fork and Salt Fires. My family was forced to immediately evacuate not knowing if we would return to another tragedy of having lost a second home. For several days, my family was relegated to watching news reports and learning that hundreds of structures were burned to the ground by the South Fork and Salt Fires. The news reports of the burn area indicated we were again in a situation where we had lost everything.

Back to the 2022 McBride fire—we saw so much love and support from family, friends, and complete strangers. So many people came and helped us and our neighbors that were also affected by the fire. There were several food trucks that provided meals and supplies free of charge to our family, and we will forever be so grateful! Today, my heart is full because this morning I learned our home was not a victim to these fires, and I feel compelled to do something to express my gratitude and serve those who were not as fortunate. That’s where I need your support to help lift a community in despair!

After the McBride fire and having been inspired by those who helped feed my family, I purchased a food trailer. In addition to my regular job, I love to cook and work events where 20% of all profit goes to savings so when an emergency arises, my family can provide meals and other supplies to those in need.

These fires have been catastrophic, and this is a time of need and an opportunity to help Ruidoso and surrounding communities feel loved, heard, and be fed during such a devastating time. My family and I want to provide FREE food from our food truck to the returning evacuees and the first responders who are working tirelessly around the clock. I know my savings can get us started, but I know the need will be far greater. Can you join me and help my family with the food costs as we work to serve the greater Ruidoso community during this time? Your contribution will go directly to purchasing the food I will lovingly cook and serve to my community.

Your contribution will serve those in need and support me as I show the community my ongoing gratitude for its heartfelt kindness during our tragedy in 2022 and all the expressions of love we received as we faced a similar set of circumstances folks are reliving in 2024. My family and I thank you in advance for your donation.

With a full heart,

Karen Roach & Family