Help Heidelberg Family Recover After Los Angeles Fire

The Intro:

My name is McKail Seely. I'm a musician from Salt Lake City, Utah but I currently live in Los Angeles. My boyfriend, Kyle Donald and I are very close to the Heidelberg family who lost their home in Altadena, CA from the Eaton Fire. They have given me permission to set up a Gofundme on their behalf. I am wanting to raise money for them to help their family restore their lives, as they've lost close to everything in the fire. The funds will be used for paying off their mortgage (to a house that is no longer there), paying for the special medical needs of the daughter and to buy essentials to renew their lives.

The Story:

The Heidelbergs have lived in Altadena for 38 years and tragically lost their home, with everything inside it, in the recent Los Angles fire.

Varetta (Shankle) Heidelberg is a Christian saxophonist who founded and dedicates her life to two non-profits “Instruments of Praise” that focuses on youth and young adults, (www.IOPWA.org) and “The Widow’s Treasure” (www.TheWidowsTreasure.org), which focuses on renewal for those in widowhood. Levi Heidelberg is an Air Force veteran who has worked as Operations Director for Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena for 35 years. Together, they lived their married life in Altadena along with their two kids, Jarren & Ayanna, who also lived in the home before the fire.

Everything they had, minus a few handful of items grabbed before evacuating and an inoperative '71 T-Bird from when they first met, is gone. This includes 10 years worth of love letters, an entire library of 2000+ books and bibles collected for 40+ years, multiple music instruments & priceless journals that Varetta wrote about her children as they grew up.

Their house was more than just a house. It was a home where many young people's lives were impacted. Every time you walked in the door, Varetta would greet you with a warm hug and a homemade meal. Many laughs, prayers and meaningful conversations were had there. While we are so grateful they’re safe, the loss is tremendous.

Even if it’s just $5, anything helps them to rebuild their lives as they navigate the path forward. Whatever you can give, no matter how much, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you on behalf of,

The Heidelberg Family