Paradise CAMP FIRE - Family Support
Donation protected
My name is Kat Flippin, and I grew up in the town of Paradise, CA along with my entire family. We have history going back five generations. My mom, Wendy Lightbody, has been in Paradise her entire life. Her incredible husband, Jim Lightbody, has lived in Paradise 38 years and is a retired Paradise police officer. Their home has always been the place that gathers the entire family together, especially at Christmas. My sister, Gennevieve Ralston, grew up in this town with me, married a great man, James Ralston (who also has three generations of family in Paradise), and they have been raising their three amazing and adventurous boys here.
On Thursday, November 8, 2018 the CAMP FIRE tore through Paradise, CA. From the first site of smoke in the distance to when the flames reached their home was about 45 minutes.
With the 45 mph winds, the fire ravaged most of the town, including 6,453+ homes and over 100,000 acres, in a matter of 24 hours. With tears in my eyes, I can't even begin to praise God or express my gratefulness that they are alive and made it out of town safely. I'm still in unbelief at how quickly this fire moved and completely changed the landscape of this beautiful town.
We received video confirmation that all family homes have been completely destroyed. There is nothing left but rubble and foundations.
As my family is processing all that has happened, we have received an outpouring of love and support. My family is in shock and grieving over this great loss, but they are resilient and full of hope as well.
My sister shared the following earlier:
As I lay here awake since 5am, I am processing like many of you. I grieve for my town and the people. As many of you know my family lost our home the picture below is us showing my oldest son Jimmy a video of what is left of our house. He took it in stride and is already making plans for an indestructible house. He is his father's son.
On our property once a week we had a game night and last night we decided to get the cards out. I realized that even though we lost our houses what mattered on the property was sitting around the table with me laughing and sharing memories.
I read a headline earlier that day that said “Paradise lost”. I couldn’t get that headline out of my head. Then it hit me. Paradise isn’t lost. Her people are here. I saw them at Costco. They were people I barely knew from the post office but recognized and we shared how grate-full we are to be alive. Paradise, I see you out there and our Paradise is Not Lost. We Are Here and We Are Strong.
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As GoFundMe requires me to input a goal, I am starting with $5,000. It is quite the undertaking to recollect all of the special things and memories contained in a home, especially right before the holidays. This GoFundMe account is being created for the following purposes and needs:
1. Essentials: deodorant, shampoo, toiletries, clothes, underwear, shoes, kids clothes and toys.
2. Temporary housing
3. Kitchen basics
4. Food
5. Furniture: beds, couches, lamps, table, chairs, etc.
6. Christmas decorations
7. Sentimental items.
Please continue to pray for all the families impacted as well as for the brave service men and women who are still out there fighting to keep us safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for surrounding my family with love and support in this time.
"We can do no great things; only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
On Thursday, November 8, 2018 the CAMP FIRE tore through Paradise, CA. From the first site of smoke in the distance to when the flames reached their home was about 45 minutes.
With the 45 mph winds, the fire ravaged most of the town, including 6,453+ homes and over 100,000 acres, in a matter of 24 hours. With tears in my eyes, I can't even begin to praise God or express my gratefulness that they are alive and made it out of town safely. I'm still in unbelief at how quickly this fire moved and completely changed the landscape of this beautiful town.
We received video confirmation that all family homes have been completely destroyed. There is nothing left but rubble and foundations.
As my family is processing all that has happened, we have received an outpouring of love and support. My family is in shock and grieving over this great loss, but they are resilient and full of hope as well.
My sister shared the following earlier:
As I lay here awake since 5am, I am processing like many of you. I grieve for my town and the people. As many of you know my family lost our home the picture below is us showing my oldest son Jimmy a video of what is left of our house. He took it in stride and is already making plans for an indestructible house. He is his father's son.
On our property once a week we had a game night and last night we decided to get the cards out. I realized that even though we lost our houses what mattered on the property was sitting around the table with me laughing and sharing memories.
I read a headline earlier that day that said “Paradise lost”. I couldn’t get that headline out of my head. Then it hit me. Paradise isn’t lost. Her people are here. I saw them at Costco. They were people I barely knew from the post office but recognized and we shared how grate-full we are to be alive. Paradise, I see you out there and our Paradise is Not Lost. We Are Here and We Are Strong.
---------------------------------
As GoFundMe requires me to input a goal, I am starting with $5,000. It is quite the undertaking to recollect all of the special things and memories contained in a home, especially right before the holidays. This GoFundMe account is being created for the following purposes and needs:
1. Essentials: deodorant, shampoo, toiletries, clothes, underwear, shoes, kids clothes and toys.
2. Temporary housing
3. Kitchen basics
4. Food
5. Furniture: beds, couches, lamps, table, chairs, etc.
6. Christmas decorations
7. Sentimental items.
Please continue to pray for all the families impacted as well as for the brave service men and women who are still out there fighting to keep us safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for surrounding my family with love and support in this time.
"We can do no great things; only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
Organizer and beneficiary
Kat Flippin
Organizer
Paradise, CA
Gennevieve Ralston
Beneficiary