Hi! My name is Staacy, and I represent the Launch School team kicking off this GoFundMe to raise money for our colleague, a Launch School TA, and our friend. Pete Hanson lived at the apartments in NE Portland that went up in flames on July 4th.

At 3:30 AM on Sunday, two buildings in Pete's three-building complex burned down in what can only be described as an inferno. Pete's building was above the dumpster where the fire started, and the apartment was trashed -- he lost everything except a pair of pajama bottoms, a windbreaker, slippers, his laptop, and his phone. In a matter of minutes, Pete lost everything, literally everything. You can read more about the tragedy here.

"While I hold out some hope, my cat Pudding probably died in the blaze -- I was unable to find her, and knowing her fear responses, she almost certainly got herself cornered and could not escape. I am uninjured other than some singed hair from my harrowing escape, and I'm trying to get my life together once again. I don't yet know what or how much stuff I will need, so I hesitate to ask for specific things."

The Launch School team is organizing this GoFundMe to help raise money for the significant expenses Pete will incur in rebuilding his life and his home. Launch School will match the funds we raise as a community to support our dear friend, colleague, mentor, and TA, Pete Hanson. Would you please join us in helping Pete through this traumatic time? Any amount will go a long way.

Food for thought:

If 3000 of us contribute $5.00, we will reach our community goal of $15,000.

If 1500 of us contribute $10.00, we will reach our community goal of $15,000.

If 750 of us contribute $20.00, you get the picture.

We can do it very quickly. So let's join together to support Pete! (If you are unable to contribute financially, please share amongst your broader communities.)

Thank you, sincerely, for your support!

Warmly,

Staacy & the Launch School Team