Help the Smith-Meade Family Recover After the Eaton Fire

Sunday, Jan 26 UPDATE from Holly

Will and I wanted to thank everyone who donated to our GoFundMe over the last couple weeks. Losing our home, neighborhood, (and now it looks like our school community since the school can’t reopen)…it’s all been shocking and devastating for our family. That said, seeing donations come in from friends near and far, family near and far, from kindhearted complete strangers, (and generous anonymous donors), was so touching, and helped us get through the total shock of the first days. It was beautiful to feel the support and care from our larger extended community. Thank you, so much.

Friday, Jan 10

Our dear friends, Holly and Will, just lost everything in the Eaton fire in Altadena, California. Holly, Will, their two daughters Aila (who turns 10 in a few days) and Keira (6), and their dog, Riley and guinea pig, Rainbow had to evacuate hastily Wednesday morning, January 8, at 4 a.m. Fortunately, they were all able to evacuate safely. Unfortunately, their beautiful family home and all its contents have burned to the ground, along with their neighborhood and community. Every keepsake, every stuffie, every piece of furniture, the girls' artwork, books, photos, family heirlooms - all destroyed.

So many of you have been reaching out to see how you can help. These contributions will help Holly and Will through this challenging time - and will assist with needs that might not be fully covered by other sources of aid.

We have been friends with Holly and Will since our days at Occidental College. They are amazing, loyal, generous friends who never ask for help. Thank you for helping now. Thank you so much for your support, whether it’s through a donation or sharing this message.

Lastly, since they’ve lost many photo albums and pictures (particularly those predating digital photos), please send in any pictures you have to this link (https://tinyurl.com/MeadeFamilyPhotos).

Love, Julie and Leila

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Picture of the front of their beautiful house before:

Pictures after the fire:

Pictures of the Smith-Meade family at the house before. This is the house where their children grew up.