Help Tish and Orin Nutting Rebuild After Fire

We are reaching out to our community and beyond to support Tish and Orin Nutting, long-time residents of Ruidoso, NM, who have recently faced an unimaginable loss. The South Fork fire has burned over 15,000 acres and completely destroyed their beloved home, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help them rebuild and recover.

Tish and Orin Nutting have been pillars of the Ruidoso community for decades. They own and operate Ski West Sports, a local business that has been a staple since 1976. Orin has a storied history as a member of the Smokey Bear Hotshots, bravely fighting wildfires across the country for 15 years. And then continuing to work with the forest service, marking a tenure of 43 years and counting.

The house they lost was more than just a structure; it was a family heirloom. One of the first built in Cedar Creek, this home has seen generations of the Nutting family grow and thrive. Orin and his father poured their hearts and hands into transforming a small mountain cabin into the beautiful home it became. It’s where Tish and Orin raised their two children, and where countless memories were made.

The South Fork fire has not only taken their home but also scattered the family geographically. Tish was visiting her grandkids in Montana when the fire started, adding to the emotional toll of not being able to be there during the crisis. Orin and their son Garrett, also a Smokey Bear Hotshot, witnessed the house catch fire while evacuating what they could. Garrett also lost his home in this devastating fire.

Orin is left with only the clothes he was wearing, and the loss of their home has left them both in need of immediate and substantial support. Their beloved cat and dog also survived but are now without a home.

The funds raised will be used to cover immediate needs and start the rebuilding process, ensuring stability before they can focus on reopening Ski West Sports for the upcoming ski season.

The loss of their home is not just a financial blow but an emotional one as well. For Orin, a man who has spent his life fighting fires, to lose his home in a wildfire is a cruel irony. The family’s resilience is inspiring, but they need our help to get back on their feet. Stability before the ski season is crucial for their livelihood, and your support will help them regain a sense of normalcy.

Call to Action:

Please consider donating to help Tish and Orin rebuild their lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference. If you can’t donate, please share their story with others who might be able to help. Together, we can provide the support they need to recover from this tragedy.

About Me:

I am Evan Locke, a New Mexican raised in Gallup, NM, and the husband of their daughter Erin Nutting. Tish and Orin welcomed me into their family 17 years ago, and they have been my family ever since. Their home has been a cornerstone in my life, I want nothing more than to help them feel their sense of place again.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this challenging time.