Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

My name is Samantha and our family is heartbroken after the recent wildfire completely destroyed my in-laws’ small car business, 626 Autos—a Black-owned business they’ve spent years building from the ground up. It wasn’t just a livelihood; it was a dream, a legacy, and a source of pride for their family and the community they served.

In a matter of hours, everything was gone: four cars, tools, office equipment, printers, furniture, and countless other essentials that kept the business running smoothly. Unfortunately, the damage wasn’t covered by their insurance, leaving them with nothing to rebuild with. Starting over feels overwhelming, but they are determined to rise again with the help of kind-hearted people like you.

We want to take a moment to thank the brave firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to save what they could during such a devastating and chaotic event. Their efforts mean the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for their bravery and dedication.

This business has been a cornerstone for the community, offering reliable cars and trustworthy service while representing the resilience and success of Black entrepreneurship. Losing it has been devastating not only for our family but also for the local community that relied on its services.

We’re reaching out to ask for any support you can provide, no matter the size of the donation. Every contribution will go directly toward:

• Securing a new location to restart the business

• Replacing essential office equipment like printers, furniture, tools, and rebuilding inventory

• Replacing the four cars lost in the fire

This small business has always been more than a source of income—it’s been a place of community, pride, and connection. Your support will help them rebuild not just their livelihood but also continue serving as an inspiration for Black-owned businesses in the area.

The photo shown above is where their business used to stand on N Lake Ave.

No donation is too small, and if you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping our family during this devastating time and for recognizing the hard work of those who tried their best to protect so much.