Help Michelle Rebuild After Losing Her Home in a Marina Fire

On Wednesday night, our dear friend and marina neighbor Michelle returned home from work just before 10 PM and walked down the dock toward her boat — her home.

Before she even reached it, she saw flames pouring out of the boat next to hers.

Without hesitation, Michelle ran toward the fire. She unplugged shore power, grabbed fire extinguishers, and water hoses, and did everything she could to try to slow the flames. Within minutes, the fire spread beyond control.

Her boat — her home and the new boat she was about to buy the next day — became engulfed within 15 minutes.

She, the harbor master, his girlfriend, and a friend were able to safely get her two cats off the boat before both vessels were fully consumed. By the time the fire department extinguished the blaze, everything inside Michelle’s boat had been destroyed.

In a matter of minutes, she lost:

• Her clothing and daily essentials

• Cat accessories like automated litter/food dispensers, cat beds & toys

• Personal belongings and keepsakes from friends who have passed away

• Appliances and household items

• BoatVibez & flight attendant work-related items

• The safe space she built for herself on the water, 10 years of memories with her friends

• The boat next door she was about to buy and move into this week…

What survived is what matters most — Michelle is alive. Her cats are safe. For that, we are endlessly grateful.

But the reality is that starting over after losing your home is overwhelming and complicated.

Michelle is one of the most generous people in our marina community. She helps neighbors prepare boats for sale, connects people with repair professionals, checks in on elderly boat owners, and shows up whenever someone needs a hand. She pours so much love into this harbor and into the people around her.

Now she needs us.

She is currently staying with family while she begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The immediate needs are simple but essential — clothing, toiletries, cat supplies, temporary living expenses, and the countless basics that disappear when you lose everything at once.

We created this fundraiser to help ease that burden during this transition. Every contribution will go directly toward helping Michelle replace daily necessities and regain stability as she rebuilds her life.

If you know Michelle, you know how much heart she carries. If you’ve ever felt her kindness, creativity, or encouragement, this is an opportunity to surround her with that same love.

No amount is too small. Sharing this page is just as meaningful.

She also has a Venmo account:

@boatVibez

If you don’t have a GoFundMe account.

Let’s help her take the first steps toward her next chapter.

With love,

Her Marina Family