![Main fundraiser photo](https://images.gofundme.com/N_I3MzrgCIPZSpJqjmknGn3wT0A=/720x405/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/71617817_1678560040874542_r.jpeg)
Craig & Family water damage to home.
Donation protected
My name is Robert and I am assisiting in helping Craig, his wife, and two babies in seeking help due to the back to back storms that affected many of the mountain communities in southern California. Craig is a federal wildland firefighter and Engineer on a type 3 Fire Engine for the last 14 years. During the record breaking snowstorms, Craig was diligently running equipment to plow out a multitude of the fire stations located in and around the Big Bear Lake community to maintain emergency response capabilities. After the last storm, it was discovered that their home suffered massive water damage and has since had to move his family out to remain safe and dry. As his insurance company is unable or unwilling to venture into the mountains to assess his claim, Craig and his family are forced to pay out of pocket in the interim and most likely the whole time for lodging and a storage facility. Like many federal wildland firefighters working for land management agencies, Craig lives paycheck to paycheck and is the sole provider for his family. During the last year alone, their savings have been depleted due to a string of misfortune including medical expenses for his daughter who contracted a serious disease while visiting his dying father on the east coast, and the associated expenses of the birth of his new son. Craig is not one to complain or hunt for handouts, but with the recent string of events he is at his ropes end and is seeking help from the community. Thank you all for your support and God Bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Robert Gillespie
Organizer
Big Bear, CA
Craig Baumgarten
Beneficiary