Ellis Family Fire Relief Fund

Co-organized

Madeleine Bachan Kaur and Robyn Ellis are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Karana Ellis.

Donation protected

The Ellis Family Homes & Property Destroyed in the Archie Creek Fire

Most of you have experienced the generosity and authentic love of the Ellis family first-hand. If you haven’t had the blessing, I hope you will one day. With this recent fire, their entire property, homes and possessions were burnt to the ground.

What Happened?

On the morning of Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, Michael (Param), Karen (KJ) and dog Lolo from The Cabin, and Karana, Robyn, Alaya and Keola from The Lakehouse, evacuated their respective homes at the drop of a hat. They drove through the raging fires that started at the bottom of their hill, Star Mountain Lane. The fire eventually merged with another local fire, burning a monumental 72,000 acres in the first 12 hours.

We are so incredibly thankful that everyone made it out safely, except for the family cat Freddie Boots. They awaited days for news of their beloved homestead and after several attempts and much persistence Karana (the eldest son) was able to make it up to the land on Friday. Sadly, the 200 acres of thriving ecosystem, gardens, historic cabin and family home, art studio, barn, mill and lumber to build homes, libraries, instruments and all their cherished possessions were lost to the fires. Only a couple of vehicles were insured. Karana describes that it looked as though a bomb had gone off. Essentially, all structures, the life they had cultivated and cared for for over 38 years and three generations, had transformed to ash. Most of the trees burned and died, leaving no undergrowth anywhere.

Everyone is still in a state of shock and grief about this tragic loss. They will eventually be re-visioning and re-building this land and it's vision as a place for family, community, education, abundance, healing and harmony. For now, they are open to receiving immediate family relief, as they re-structure their lives and get back onto their feet to dream anew.

Your compassionate donations are deeply appreciated.

There are so many others living a similar story at this time and all our hearts are with them all.

The Lakehouse after the fire...

The Cabin after the fire...

Personally, I have spent so many seasons on this sacred land. They have taken me in like a daughter, nourishing my mind, body, heart and spirit year after year. I’m not alone. I’ve witnessed the Ellis family welcome countless people of all ages, races and beliefs into the sanctuary of their home. The re-building of this "home" will be a long process. Thank you for your kindness as they begin to put themselves back together and move into this next cycle of life.

With love and heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Ellis family,