Restore Exotica: Fire and Theft Recovery

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$420 raised of $25K

Restore Exotica: Fire and Theft Recovery

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Help Restore Exotica Nursery – A Home for Rare Fruits!

For over 30 years, Steve Spangler has dedicated his life to preserving and cultivating the world’s rarest tropical fruit trees at Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery in Vista, CA. A true paradise for fruit lovers, Exotica has brought together growers, collectors, and families who want to plant a little piece of the tropics in their own backyards.

But now, Steve needs your help.

Exotica has endured setbacks that would have shut down most businesses. A couple of years ago, a fire destroyed the nursery’s office and shed, wiping out essential tools, paperwork, and a space Steve relied on to keep the nursery running. More recently, Steve faced a devastating betrayal—a trusted employee and his family stole thousands of dollars’ worth of plants and inventory, secretly selling trees behind Steve’s back for years. When they were finally caught and removed, Steve was left to pick up the pieces.

Despite everything, Steve refuses to give up. And now, the community is coming together to help him rebuild.

Why This Matters & How You Can Help

Exotica isn’t just a nursery—it’s a living collection of the world’s rarest fruit trees, a place where cultures and traditions meet through the love of tropical fruits. Whether it’s an Indian family finding the perfect mango tree to remind them of home, a Chinese gardener searching for the elusive Jujube tree, or a rare fruit collector discovering something they’ve never seen before, Exotica brings people together.

With spring approaching, this is the perfect time to help Steve get the nursery back on track.

Your contributions will help:
  • Restore the nursery’s office shed (lost in the fire) so Steve has a workspace again
  • Replace stolen inventory so Exotica can continue offering rare fruit trees to the community

Continue Exotica’s online presence with a brand-new website: rarefruitsexotica.com

With your support, Steve can continue doing what he loves—bringing rare and tropical fruit trees to growers and families who cherish them.

Be a Part of the Exotica Story – Donate Today!

If Exotica has ever brought joy to you, your family, or your garden, please consider donating today. Every dollar makes a difference. Whether it’s $10, $50, or more, your support will go directly toward rebuilding Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery.

Let’s come together to protect this incredible place. Help Steve restore Exotica and keep rare fruit trees thriving in California!

Located in Vista, CA

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign helps! Spread the word and let’s bring Exotica back stronger than ever.

Organizer

Vikrant Batra
Organizer
Vista, CA
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