Month of Giving: CA Fire Relief

The four fires that started on October 8th were among California’s 20 most destructive fires in recorded history; the Tubbs fire in Sonoma County is the most destructive to date. In total, these fires have destroyed 7,781 homes and structures. It caused $1 billion in damages.


Even more terrifying, the fires killed 42 people, and over 50 people remain missing. At the peak of the fires, 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Today, 15,000 people have no home to return to.


As the fires are becoming more contained, people across the country are seeing less media attention surrounding these terrifying events. Many may believe that the worst is over, but for thousands of Northern California residents who literally lost everything they own, the struggle is only beginning. Luckily, the communities of these North Bay counties have banded together in support of one another, and many people are opening doors to complete strangers because they know they have nothing left.


It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to run a marathon, since running has always been an extremely important emotional outlet for me. This year, I finally made the commitment to myself to run one. When I woke up last week and heard the news about the fires, I was in shock. I immediately texted friends I had in that area, and had never felt so helpless knowing people that I love were being evacuated from their homes while I was safe and sound 3,000 miles away.


So I’ve decided to use this marathon to contribute what I can to these communities so close to home. This month, I am racing and committing to fundraise a $2,000 donation to the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund and their North Bay Fire Relief efforts.


This campaign is called the Month of Giving. As we go into this holiday season of family, friends, and spending time with the people we love, it’s easy to forget about sharing that love with people who are truly in need. Even though media attention has started to shift away from these events, its effects are still present. So I urge you to give, to extend a loving hand to those in need, and to join me in my efforts to run for these families who lost everything.


I will be racing in the NYCRuns Brooklyn Marathon on November 19th, and will be campaigning until the end of that day. All donations made to my GoFundMe Page will go directly to the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund. I’ve chosen this charity because donations made to RCUC go directly to those in need. Donations are tax deductible, and after making your donation you will receive a receipt from GoFundMe’s partner, PayPal Giving Fund. Thank you so much for your support!