Help the Wright Family Recover After the Eaton Fires

The Wright family—Brenda Taylor Wright (a Los Angeles County Fire Department member and Health Hazardous Materials Specialist), her husband Donald, and their extended family—suffered an enormous loss when the Eaton Fire devastated their historic Altadena neighborhood, destroying all three of their family homes, their cars, and all of their personal belongings. Her husband Donald Wright has lived in Altadena for over 58 years, and Brenda joined him in 1990 when they began building their life together in this close-knit community. Below is a photo of what remains of their home.

Brenda Wright, a dedicated community member and Los Angeles Fire Department employee (currently on work injury medical leave), has been a part of the Altadena and Los Angeles communities for over four decades. She began her career with Los Angeles County in 1982 as a Sanitarian Trainee and became a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) with the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1983. In the Emergency Operations Section, Health and Hazardous Materials Specialists respond along with fire fighters as needed for hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and Public Health management and safety for fire fighters and the public. Below is a photo of Brenda in her LACoFD uniform.

Brenda, her ten siblings, and four children were all born and raised in Los Angeles. They have been active in the SDA Church, SDA Schools, and community and youth mentoring for 40+ years. Despite having just lost everything, they are committed to raising funds with the Los Angeles Adventist Acadamy to support the people in their community who have also experienced devastating loss due to the fires. Her line of work, now more than ever, is needed in Los Angeles. Brenda's devotion to serve her community persists (despite her significant loss) as illustrated through her career, fundraising efforts through her church, and in the support she gives to her friends and neighbors.

All three of their family homes in Altadena, which had been cherished for decades, were tragically destroyed in the fire. In addition to the homes themselves, the Wright family lost personal belongings, keepsakes, and other essentials. While they are applying for FEMA assistance to address eligible recovery needs, the family faces significant gaps as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives and reestablishing a sense of normalcy.

My name is Aja Goldman, I am an 8th generation Los Angeleno and the daughter of Stefani Goldman (a close family friend and colleague of the Wright's), and I put together this GoFundMe on behalf of the Wright family to provide additional support during this challenging time. The funds raised will be used to help them with general recovery efforts, day-to-day needs, and unanticipated costs as they navigate this difficult journey. Importantly, these contributions are intended to supplement—not replace—other sources of assistance, such as FEMA aid.

Brenda and Donald have spent their lives giving to their community, and now it’s our turn to support them. Please consider making a contribution to help them rebuild and move forward after this devastating loss. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in helping them recover.

100% of the funds raised will go directly to the Wright family, who are the sole beneficiaries of this fundraiser.