Update: 1/21/25

Thank you all for your generous support, we are now turning off donations. Below is a note from Rita and John, thank you once again!

A heartfelt thank you to our friends and family. We feel so emotional to have received so much love and support from you all during this challenging time. We have so much gratitude to have you all in our lives, and to know what community feels like.

With Love,

Rita & John

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We are Rita and John's close friends, and we are organizing this fundraiser to aid in their recovery from the Eaton fire that struck on 1/7/25. Rita, John, and their two daughters, Asha and Anaya, have called Altadena home for the past 9 years, and they are devastated to see the loss their community has suffered.

Luckily, they were able to evacuate safely, but like many others, they rushed out of their homes and could only grab what they thought was essential at the time. Their home has sustained fire damage, and Rita's car went up in flames. Although they are fortunate that their house is still "standing," they have not been able to assess the extent that the fire has taken away from them. 70% of their block has burned down, and they do not yet know what their next steps will be regarding short-term and long-term living.

Rita and John are both lifelong educators and have committed themselves to building and sustaining community around them. They are the first to lend a helping hand and to address injustice whenever possible. Our goal is to help them as much as they've helped others during times of need.

Your support will allow them to address needs not otherwise covered by FEMA, insurance or other sources during this crisis. All funds will go directly to their family, and this fundraiser has been created with their permission.

With gratitude-

Dimpal, Nickie, & Adai