Support the Cali’s After House Fire

We see the images and read the stories online. We donate to friends, family, friends of friends, co-workers and even strangers when disaster strikes. We never imagined we would ever have a reason to be on the receiving end. But here we are.

If you know our parents, Emily and Vinny, you know they are always the first to open their home to family or friends who need a place to stay. They are the house where everyone gathers for holiday dinners, summer barbecues, birthdays, or to just hang out. They open their hearts and home to anyone in need.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, our dad got a call from a neighbor that flames were coming out of our kitchen window and that the fire department was on the way. Thankfully no one was home and no one was injured. That is the best part of this story and something we remind ourselves of daily. The fire broke out in the basement, tore through the kitchen, and as with any fire, the entire house was quickly consumed by extreme heat and smoke. The fire department response was quick and thorough, thankfully enough to contain the fire to the kitchen. Unfortunately, what we have learned about fires is that although the fire happened on one side of the house, the heat, smoke and water contributed to the damage making the house unlivable and most of the contents not salvageable. Our parents were soon after dealt the reality that they would be displaced from their home. Our childhood home. Their lives completely disrupted. For the next 7+ months.

They say there is strength in numbers. Thankfully we have a big family which includes amazing friends. And thankfully when it comes time to supporting one of our loved ones, we are unstoppable.

We are overwhelmed by the amount of people who are ready and willing to help. Our parents are so very humbled by the amount of calls, texts, sharing of posts, and support they have received. In response to several requests for people wanting to make monetary donations, we have opened this gofundme. We have all heard it before, every $1.00 counts. Every $1.00 gets our parents one step closer to regaining a sense of normalcy.

We are forever grateful for anything we receive and that includes all the love and kind words of support. Thank you in advance and please keep our family in your thoughts.