Hi, this is Melissa. I'm fundraising for my high school friend Ross, his wife Kathy and their dog Luca who lost their home, workshop and all but the few possessions they could grab when the Marshall fire evacuation orders sounded on December 30, 2021. This campaign allows those who have asked “how can I help?” to do just that. All funds raised, less a 2.9% GoFundMe fee and applicable credit card charges, go directly to Ross and Kathy to help replace their house, workspace, and belongings.

When the winds picked up mid-morning, Ross anticipated the loss of power that intense gusts along the foothills often foreshadow. With the season’s first snowstorm just a day away, he reserved a nearby hotel room...just in case.

In a matter of hours, that room would become home for Ross, Kathy, and Luca as they fled the raging fire. Propelled by 100 mph winds, flames destroyed over 1000 homes in a matter of hours...including theirs.

Grateful to be safe, Ross, Kathy and Luca began an odyssey of disaster assistance and insurance red-tape with a trip to Target for a new set of clothes and some dog food early the next day. Since then, they have discovered just how under-insured they are, given today's sky-rocketing labor and material costs as well as supply chain challenges.

Won't you join me and help Ross and Kathy go home? Thanks in advance for your generosity.