Help the Casalenuovo family recover from the Palisades Fire

My Name is Sue Ellen Van Horn Casalenuovo. I never thought I would have to write this. The house that my family and I have called our home for over 70 years has been destroyed by the catastrophic fire in the Palisades. This home has been in my family for three generations. From when I was a child, I have many sweet memories growing up in this community and I am so happy that my four children were able to share in that experience.

My parents moved to the Pacific Palisades in 1948. We have lived on Fiske street then moved to Sunset Boulevard. In the 1950s, my father was a commander in the local post 283 of the American Legion and my mother worked at the Security Pacific National Bank, which became Bank of America, located on Sunset Boulevard. I have lived here my entire life, attending the local schools, Palisades Elementary, Paul Revere Junior High, then Palisades High School. My husband, Mario, and I have raised 4 sons here, each who have attended Methodist Preschool and Corpus Christi School.

When we evacuated on Tuesday afternoon, we left with our two youngest sons, Joey and Nicky, along with our dear friend Kelly, our dog, Mishka and cat, Scout. We never imagined that it was our last time stepping out of our home.

We are asking for your support to help rebuild our lives, restore what we have lost, and move forward from this disaster. The funds will be directly going to us to cover any unmet needs and expenses not covered by insurance. A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated.

To our lovely neighbors and our beloved community of Pacific Palisades who have experienced the same, our hearts break for each and everyone of you. This place will always be called our home.