Help Kevo Rebuild After Wildfire Loss
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Please Help Us Help Kevo Rebuild His Life After The Devastating California Eaton Wildfire
Dear Friends and Kind Supporters,
It’s not easy to write this, and I know it’s even harder for my uncle, Kevo, to be the focus of a GoFundMe campaign. He’s always been the one to offer help, not ask for it. But after everything he’s lost in the devastating wildfires that have ravaged California, we convinced him that reaching out for support is an important step toward rebuilding his life.
About Kevo:
Kevo is one of the most hardworking and generous individuals I know. He’s the one who always shows up when a friend needs help. He’s the neighbor who’s always there to lend a hand. And he’s the family member we can always count on to be present in our family’s best of times, and in our worst of times. I will never forget how he, at a drop of a dime, left everything - including his responsibilities as an owner of a small retail shop - and flew across the country to be with me when my brother, Hrant, passed away suddenly and my parents were stuck across the globe in the Middle East. His love for his friends, family, and community is boundless, and his home was often a gathering place filled with laughter, love, and fun.
An Act of Love:
The Altadena Eaton wildfire struck with little warning, forcing Kevo to evacuate immediately. His first thought wasn’t of himself but of his two beloved puppies, Tiga and Kano. He risked everything to make sure they were safe, escaping with little more than the clothes on his back and his furry companions by his side. While Tiga and Kano bring him comfort and joy, their care adds to the challenges he now faces as he works to rebuild his life.
The Impact:
Kevo’s home wasn’t just a place to live; it was his masterpiece. Over the past few years, he had lovingly restructured and renovated it with his own two hands. A talented craftsman, Kevo poured his heart and soul into the fine woodworking that made his home unique. Kevo’s home, which stood as a symbol of his hard work and dedication, is now completely gone. Along with it, a lifetime of memories and possessions are reduced to ashes.
The emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. While insurance will cover some of the losses, it falls significantly short of what is needed to replace what he lost, let alone rebuild his life from scratch.
How You Can Help:
We’ve started this GoFundMe campaign to help Kevo and his two pups get back on their feet. Your contributions will go directly toward helping him rebuild his life, piece by piece. While his personal belongings with sentimental value are irreplaceable, he has a great deal of recovery expenses not covered under his insurance policy that he will need to address. Among these are costs for:
- Basic necessities like clothing, toiletries, and supplies for his dogs,
- Travel expenses related to relocation or commuting,
- Accessing emotional or psychological support to help cope with trauma and loss,
- Replacing important documents,
- Navigating disputes with insurers, contractors or other parties,
- Lost income from the disruption of work, and
- Potentially rising prices for labor or materials that exceed insurance estimates.
Your Support Will Matter:
Every donation, no matter the size, brings Kevo closer to rebuilding his life. In times of such widespread devastation, the power of community is what keeps hope alive. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network can make a meaningful difference, as well.
Encouragement:
Your kind words, messages of support, or even sharing your own stories of resilience can provide comfort and strength to Kevo during this difficult time. Please consider relaying them to Kevo through this platform.
Thank you for taking the time to read Kevo’s story. He has always been there for others, and now it’s our chance to be there for him. Our hope is that, together, we can help him and his two faithful companions move forward with confidence and support.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kareen Z (Kevo’s east coast niece and fellow “Mekh”) and family
Important Note:
As the tragedy in California continues to unfold, sadly, some have seized an opportunity to take advantage and act in bad faith. It has come to our attention that false information about Kevo has been shared online, including an untrue obituary. Please rest assured that Kevo is alive and well (we're so counting our blessings for this). This GoFundMe fundraiser remains legitimate and is intended to support him during this time.
Please also know how deeply grateful we are for the incredible generosity and kindness shown through your donations. Your support means more to our family than words can convey, and it is making a real difference during this challenging time. Much love and appreciation to all of you who are standing with our family in so many ways.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kareen Zeitounzian
Organizer
Altadena, CA
Kevork Zeitounian
Beneficiary