Support Abel, Ryan & Steven's Recovery from the Eaton Fire

The unprecedented scope of these recent wildfires has had a devastating effect on the Los Angeles we love. We understand that many of you have experienced tragedy firsthand. The last few days have been personally life-altering. On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 8th, we received confirmation from a neighbor that our beautiful Altadena, California home burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire.

In the predawn hours of that same day, I, Abel Sepulveda, evacuated with best friends Ryan Berdan and Steven Schaffer, as high winds, smoke, and uncontrolled approaching fire forced us to leave home. We arrived to the safety of my family with the few important documents and irreplaceable mementos we had gathered. As longtime Altadena residents, we watched on television as so many of Altadena’s historic businesses and block after block of homes were consumed by fire. We began to fear the worst as news coverage near our home showed ruin. Several friends and neighbors began to send messages that their homes were gone. By the time we received the photos of our gutted home that had stood for a century, we had braced for the worst but the reality was still utterly heartbreaking.

Since this happened, many family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers have asked how they can help. Some have just shown up out of concern to bring practical items. This spirit of generosity has been astounding. After going back and forth, we decided to start this GoFundMe because, as many of you have indicated, while we do have a great support system of friends and family, we have lost our home and all its contents. Any funds collected would go toward replacing immediate necessities like clothing, toiletries, food, and household items. We are grateful to have each other, our health, and safety, but it will be a monumental effort to return to normal.

Honestly, while anything you contribute will be received with utmost gratitude, we are most grateful for the outpouring of love and support everyone has shown in text messages, phone calls, and tearful hugs. This experience has proven we are rich in the wealth of our connections and that is all that counts. We know we are not alone in this and are so sorry for those impacted. We are here for you too in this time of need.

Much Love,

Abel Sepulveda, Ryan Berdan & Steven Schaffer