Tom & Helaine Penny Creek Fire Fund
Donation protected
HOME OF TOM AND HELAINE PENNY & HIGHER GROUND CHRISTIAN CAMP NOW GONE IN THE "CREEK FIRE" ON LABOR DAY 2020!
In 2003 Tom and Helaine started Higher Ground Christian Camp on a preserved logging camp built in the late 1800's just five miles below Shaver Lake. The logging camp had a lodge, water tower with showers and bathrooms, several small cabins used as sleeping quarters, and a their double wide mobile home,
as well as a 100 year old apple orchard.
While out of town for the weekend this Labor Day, they were notified of the evacuation. Hours away from home, they were unable to make it back to get any memorabilia, animals, or belongings of 36 years. In 2015 the camp was closed because of the lack of water. Despite the efforts of family, friends, and the fire department to clear 20 acres around the camp due to the Pine Bark Beetle forest devastation, all that remains of their home and camp is the chimney from the lodge that was used for the chapel.
They were unable to obtain insurance on the camp and their home due to the age of the structures and the high risk of fire. The only things they have left in their possession are Tom's truck and utility trailer and a weekend's worth of clothes.
They are in need of funds to be able to purchase a 2003 Everest 5th wheel travel trailer ($10,000 +) to live in as well as dishes, bedding, clothing, tools, generator, rv washer/dryer, etc. The car in the picture was a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe purchased a year ago for Helaine.
At this time they are unable to return to work. The entire town of Prather, where Helaine works for a Christian distance-learning school, has been shut down. The public school where Tom works at is currently being used as the command base for the fire fighters.
Please encourage them at this time. All funds will go directly to them.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers during this tragic time.
Lorene Penny Murphy, their sister
In 2003 Tom and Helaine started Higher Ground Christian Camp on a preserved logging camp built in the late 1800's just five miles below Shaver Lake. The logging camp had a lodge, water tower with showers and bathrooms, several small cabins used as sleeping quarters, and a their double wide mobile home,
as well as a 100 year old apple orchard.
While out of town for the weekend this Labor Day, they were notified of the evacuation. Hours away from home, they were unable to make it back to get any memorabilia, animals, or belongings of 36 years. In 2015 the camp was closed because of the lack of water. Despite the efforts of family, friends, and the fire department to clear 20 acres around the camp due to the Pine Bark Beetle forest devastation, all that remains of their home and camp is the chimney from the lodge that was used for the chapel.
They were unable to obtain insurance on the camp and their home due to the age of the structures and the high risk of fire. The only things they have left in their possession are Tom's truck and utility trailer and a weekend's worth of clothes.
They are in need of funds to be able to purchase a 2003 Everest 5th wheel travel trailer ($10,000 +) to live in as well as dishes, bedding, clothing, tools, generator, rv washer/dryer, etc. The car in the picture was a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe purchased a year ago for Helaine.
At this time they are unable to return to work. The entire town of Prather, where Helaine works for a Christian distance-learning school, has been shut down. The public school where Tom works at is currently being used as the command base for the fire fighters.
Please encourage them at this time. All funds will go directly to them.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers during this tragic time.
Lorene Penny Murphy, their sister
Organizer and beneficiary
Lorene Penny Murphy
Organizer
Nipomo, CA
Thomas Penny
Beneficiary