Help Sam Jones Recover from Palisades Fire Tragedy

My name is Eliza Desch and I live in Northern California. I was raised in Southern California and my family still lives there.

On January 7, my brother Sam looked out his back window and saw a wildfire burning on the hill across from his Pacific Palisades home. He had just minutes to grab his cats and a few items and flee the flames. He evacuated to his girlfriend's house, where later the same day they had to evacuate again when the Sunset Fire broke out. On Wednesday, January 8, he learned that the beloved home he'd raised his daughters in was gone.

Sam is a photographer and filmmaker who closed his studio/office during the pandemic and was currently working from home. In addition to his personal items, he lost 30 years of photographs, media, equipment, memorabilia and other irreplaceable items. On Thursday, he learned that he is underinsured, and the funds will not cover his rental and rebuilding expenses.

Sam is a self-made, creative entrepreneur who works incredibly hard. He is a devoted dad to two daughters--one in her freshman year of college and another graduating from high school this year. He is very proud and will not ask for help because he believes other people need it more than he does. But just because others need more doesn't mean he doesn't need help too.

So many people have asked what they can do, and Sam needs our love, support and yes, money. Your donations will help him as he finds a place to live for the next several years, continues paying his mortgage and property taxes, and rebuilds his and his daughters' home and lives. Most of all, your donation will let him know how much he is supported and cared for amid unfathomable loss and tragedy. Thank you.