My name is Benit Avila, I am originally from Venezuela and currently live in California, United States. I am organizing this fundraiser to help my family and other relatives who were directly affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, and I am reaching out with a broken heart to ask for your help during one of the most difficult moments my family has ever faced.

On June 24, 2026, two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and the collapse of numerous residential buildings. One of them was the Río Mar Building in Tanaguarena, La Guaira, forever changing my family’s life.

My beloved aunts, Gladys Josefina Avila and Dulce María Avila de Peña, were inside the Río Mar Building when it collapsed. They are still missing as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble with hope of finding survivors.

By a miracle, my cousin, Julio César Peña Avila, survived the collapse. At the time of the earthquakes, he was on the 14th-floor rooftop, the highest level of the building. Although he survived, he suffered multiple injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

My father was also supposed to meet his sisters at the Río Mar Building that day. However, his car unexpectedly broke down, preventing him from getting there. What seemed like an unfortunate inconvenience at the time ultimately saved his life.

Today, my father remains in Venezuela, caring for my injured cousin, supporting our family, and helping with the ongoing emergency while rescue teams continue searching for his sisters and many other people who are still missing.

I created this fundraiser to help my family recover from this heartbreaking tragedy and, as resources allow, to provide emergency assistance to other families personally known to us who have also been affected by these devastating earthquakes.

The funds raised will be used for:

● Medical care and recovery expenses for my injured cousin and other affected family members.

● Food, clean water, medications, and other essential supplies.

● Transportation and temporary accommodations for family members involved in the search efforts.

● Expenses related to the ongoing search and rescue operations.

● Emergency assistance for our family and other families personally known to us who have also been affected by this tragedy.

● Funeral and memorial expenses, if our loved ones are sadly found deceased.

● Any other urgent needs that arise during this emergency.

The photographs shared in this campaign show our missing loved ones, my cousin during his recovery, and some of the areas affected by this disaster. We are sharing them to help others understand the devastating impact these earthquakes have had on our family and our community.

Many buildings remain collapsed, families are still waiting for news of their loved ones, and rescue teams continue working tirelessly through the rubble.

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings hope and provides much-needed support during this incredibly difficult time. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, and community.

On behalf of my entire family, thank you for your prayers, compassion, generosity, and support. We will never forget your kindness during this heartbreaking time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Benit Avila