Bring Angel Home - #BringAngelHome

Together We Can Help Bring Angel home:

On the night of October 9th, 2017, as the Northern California fires were raging, an elderly couple fought gallantly to save the animals on their small ranch that was nestled on the outskirts of  Santa Rosa (Coffey Park), California.  Both Glyn and Valerie Evans worked in tandem (as they spent decades doing) methodically rounding up the animals to evacuate them to safety.  Sadly, Valerie Evans perished in the fire when she went back into her home one last time to rescue one of the last animals, her elderly dog.

Valerie and Glyn Evans come from a long line of ranchers (generations deep), some who have owned the biggest cattle ranches in Texas and Arizona.   Like most ranchers, cattle were a part of the business -- until the night of the fires -- that’s when one very special cow by the name of Angel became so much more than just a cow to Glyn.  You see, Angel was his Valerie’s beloved Texas Long Horn heifer.  Angel was not just a cow to Valerie.  She was a pet, and a beloved family member. 

 While Angel was successfully rescued, almost one full year later, Glyn only wants one thing in his life and that is to bring Angel back home to the ranch.  This is Glyn’s dream as he lost everything that night -- his life partner, his home, their belt buckles, pictures, awards – everything.  Angel is all that he has left of Valerie.  That is why, Angel is so much more than just a cow to this life-long rancher.  In fact, Glyn and Valerie have a rich “cowboy” history of working on cattle ranches, showing horses “both cutting and reining”, and being very visible in the horse world.  Their last horse was Zero Incorporated.  This story is so much more than about loss, it is about what makes a cowboy, a cowboy – moving past life’s cruelties by standing firmly in the conviction of hope, love, and strength. 

Together, with a handful of every-day citizens, I am working on helping bring Glyn and Angel back home.  All monetary donations will be used first for purchasing fencing and shelter for Angel.  If we are so blessed, any monies left over, will be used to purchase a granny unit on wheels for Glyn.   All labor will be donated by the volunteers.  

If you would like to make a difference, please donate today.  If you cannot afford to donate, please consider joining our newly created Facebook Group “Bring Angel Home” and invite your family and friends to join as well.  We will be providing updates often so you can learn more about this amazing journey that we are embarking on.   

You can join the group by clicking on this link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/839005856304911/

Thank you for your kindness and compassion. 

Together, we can make a difference. 

#BringAngelHome

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My Name is Dave Yarger Jr. I moved to Sonoma County in 1982 from Placer County. Graduated Tomales High School in 1984. Spent many years of my youth helping my dad on his commercial salmon boat. We bonded a lot during those days. He instilled in me traditional values. These values hold true today in the people of Sonoma County. I am proud to be a part of it.

After the fires my love of animals led me to become involved with the Sonoma & Napa Fires Pet Rescue and Reunification group. Our goal was to bring home pets lost in the fires. Though many species were lost the main focus ended up being on the cats, simply due to the large number lost. Our team recovered and reunited well over 350 pets. The hope they have brought to the community is unbelievable.  To this day they continue their efforts rescuing and reuniting cats.

We all know Angel. "Is that cow real? That's got to be a statue". The morning of the fires we drove by. She stood strong.  In all the chaos and destruction, there she was. We later learned of a tragic loss. Valerie Evans was what we all should be. She was Sonoma Strong.  She is an icon and an inspiration. For this we honor her. Nobody asked for any of this. And certainly nobody deserved it. We, as a community are simply doing what communities do. We are pulling together to help those in need.

I had never met the Evans family until I started this campaign. I drove by everyday and saw them working on the lot. I noticed 2 lone men, getting the job done. I saw a place where I may be able to help. I have some free time, I'm good with a rake so I reached out. The moment I shook Glyn's hand for the first time, I knew I was doing the right thing. His smile and charm are incredible. He has a spark in his eye that lights the day. I'm proud to be able to help him.

Glyn has a dream as to what he would like to do with his property. His main goal is to get his family home and his beloved pets. Angel included. Funds gathered from this campaign will be used to replace downed fences, build shelters for the animals, a hay barn, plumbing, electrical and septic work and ultimately a new home. With the support of the community I fully believe this is an achievable goal. 

I am working with several well respected community partners and non profits.  I have created a dual chain of custody for all funds received through the GoFundMe tool.  Moreover, all fund transactions are documented and reported to the core campaign members.  Additional, I am working closely with the Evans family and have been given their expressed permission to help raise money to bring Angel home.  I am in daily contact with Glyn Evans and Houston Evans, to ensure their wishes are being honored and there is full transparency with this very critical campaign. 

I would like to remove any and all burden upon this family while they grieve. I would like to let them get a good nights sleep. I don't want them to worry anymore. I am doing everything I can to ease their worries and cover the rebuilding of the property. The community immediately stepped up to help, exactly like I knew you all would. I love each and everyone of you.

Angel's coming home, and that ain't no bull!!