Help Mark and Judi Rebuild Their Lives

Our names are Toni and Frank Labate.

 

We are fundraising for our dear friends, Mark and Judi. They lost their home of 25 years in Louisville, CO, in the devastating Marshall fire that occurred on December 30, 2021.

 

We have known this couple for over a decade. Toni met Judi at work, and their relationship has continued to grow over the years to the deepest of friendships.

 

Because they had less than five minutes to gather essentials, they fled with very little - a few electronics, medications, and the shirts on their backs. While fleeing, they sacrificed precious seconds by alerting neighbors, helping them load necessities and pets.

As they drove away, they looked back at their house for the very last time.  What they saw was their roof engulfed in flames.

The next day, Judi and Mark's neighbor returned, and recorded this powerful video.  It was taken from the back, where both their houses used to stand.  As she pans the area with her camera, you can hear her neighbor say that Judi and Mark's property was on the left.

 

They lost everything in the fire.  

 

We know that this money can't replace all that they have lost - memories and history, to name a few - but we hope this can help them in the process of rebuilding their lives in some way.  It will be a long, emotional journey, and we appreciate any generosity, big or small.

 

The money will be used for immediate needs: housing, food, and clothing.

Thank you so much for your help, and prayers to all who suffered any loss in this tragedy of immeasurable proportions. 

And prayers to our heroes - all the emergency and critical responders.  God speed.