Donate to Direct Relief for LA Wildfire Recovery

Hi, I'm Tessie! and I'm Michelle! Together, we have a goal to raise over $5k to support those that are currently being affected by the destruction of the Los Angeles Wildfires. We both have many friends and loved ones in the LA area that are being directly impacted by these fires and while the first responders, LA residents, the state of California, and the country as a whole have responded effectively, there is still more to be done to rebuild what has been lost. It is essential we continue to support the residents, the first responders and heroes, and the city in getting the care and support they continuously need. For that reason, we have decided to fundraise for Direct Relief, a well-vetted and reputable non-profit humanitarian aid organization that is heavily involved in disaster relief.

Please note: Michelle is also teaching a charity ride at SoulCycle, where she is an instructor, in which all class proceeds will also be donated to Direct Relief. This page will serve as a space for those participating in the ride who are willing, able, and interested in donating more than the cost of their bike.

Thank you! To learn more about who we are and Direct Relief, please read below:

A bit about us:

Tessie was born and raised in California and has become all too familiar with the devastation and damage of wildfires, where her uncle was even called to help fight previous fires in Southern California. He is one of the MANY brave men and women that have chosen to put others' lives and safety above their own, and seeing all of the heroes that are now doing the same for the LA wildfires is beyond inspiring.

While not born and raised in Cali, Michelle's father is a retired fire captain in the DC area and was a first responder to some of DC's local tragedies (Air Florida Flight 90 and the Pentagon on 9/11 to name a few). As a result, she has witnessed some of the long-term effects that these disasters can have on first responders and the civilians that are impacted.

A bit about Direct Relief:

According to their website, in response to the unprecedented wildfires raging across L.A. County, Direct Relief has made available more than $100 million in medicines and medical supplies, including 2.3 million N95 respirators, to community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and other healthcare partners in fire-affected areas.

In addition, Direct Relief has awarded $1 million in emergency operating grants to 22 local organizations, comprising safety net providers, mobile clinics, search and rescue teams, reproductive health organizations, and other nonprofits, responding to the needs of affected communities.

Direct Relief has also deployed several emergency response teams to deliver critically needed relief items to several community health centers, evacuation shelters, government agencies, relief distribution hubs, and retail locations throughout L.A.