Dear Friends...as many of you know I grew up in Lake County in the towns of Cobb and Lock Lomond, a community that has been devastated by the recent Valley Fire.  It was my home and still is the home of many of my friends and all of my immediate family for the last 40 years. 

Isabella was at the Cobb pool with my dad when they saw flames...they immediately called the fire department, packed all of Izzy's stuffed animals, their real animals and headed out.  My friend Ati left with her daughter Lucia and a bag of laundry (currently at my house), my friend Harp, with two young boys got confirmation that their home is gone.  My mom and dad have both lost their homes...my step parents' just got word theirs is still standing in Cobb.

I have never experienced anything like this, to directly know so many who have lost everything at the same time, their homes, pets, neighborhoods and jobs.  It is indescribable...in the same moment I feel so grateful that we have all known each other so long...that many are being taken in all over and cared for.   Everyone we meet has been so gracious, from a donation of a beer (at Hopmonk), to random strangers giving me their phone numbers to tell them how they can help.

These funds will go directly to my mother and father, Kathryn Mabin and Vince Bray whose homes burned to the ground.  Both are elders, living on small social security checks, their jobs in the local community gone with the fire.  This money will help them buy food, clothing, and hopefully find new homes to rent.  If you feel moved to donate anything at all (nothing is too small), or clothes (adult/kid), that would mean the world, as they figure out their next steps.  I feel so grateful for this new circle of friends that we have made in all of you.  Many of you have checked in to see how we are, offer support in many ways.  The greatest gift is to know that everyone we love is safe, as many only had moments to leave.  We are still in shock, but all together.  If you can also pray for continued cool weather, rain, and containment of the fire as still burning in their neighborhoods.

I'd also like to take a moment to thank the firemen who have continued to fight this fire fearlessly and have continued to try to save and protect anyone and anything they can - I know that some have lost their homes themselves.

In gratitude and thanks, Jenny

My two dads who both live in Lake County : )
My mama with my Aunt Melody:

Step-dad n step-mom with Apsen:

Near my parents home: