“Help a California Chef Recover After Car Crash”

Hi, my name is Yolanda Jo, and I’m reaching out during one of the hardest moments in my life.

I was recently in a serious car accident that completely totaled my car. I thank God I had full coverage, but I’m still left with a loan to pay—and now, no reliable way to get to work. That car wasn’t just transportation; it was the one thing holding my life together.

For the last few years, I’ve worked as a temp chef and personal chef all across California. I’ve had the honor of cooking for Wolfgang Puck events, Monster Energy, Oscars, Clippers, and more. Cooking is more than just a job to me—it’s my purpose, my passion, and how I survive.

The night of the accident, I had just finished an exhausting 8-hour shift. I drove nearly 2 hours to get home. I was only 4 minutes from my front door when I rear-ended someone. Fatigue hit me at the worst time. I’m beyond grateful I wasn’t seriously injured—and that no one else was either—but the accident left me emotionally shaken, financially stuck, and now without a vehicle in a place where public transportation just doesn’t work for what I do.

I’m trying to raise enough to:

* Buy a reliable used car to get me back on the road and working again


* Catch up on some basic bills that have fallen behind since I’ve been out of work


It’s incredibly hard and humbling to ask for help. Honestly, it’s embarrassing. But I know I can’t do this alone. I just want to keep doing what I love—cooking, creating, and making people happy through food. I just need a little support to get through this unexpected detour.

Any donation—no matter how small—means the world to me. And if you’re not in a position to give, simply sharing this with others would help more than you know.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for your kindness.

— Yolanda Jo