Help Steve Collins and Sharon McGunigle Rebuild Their Lives!

Several of our colleagues in JPL's Section 343 (the Guidance and Control section) have tragically lost their homes in the Eaton Wildfire. Such is the case with our colleague, Steve Collins, and his wife Sharon McGunigle, an extraordinarily talented costume designer.

Compounding their tragedy, Steve and Sharon were about to complete the reconstruction of their home to repair the extensive damage produced when a tree fell on their property three years ago during a day of high winds, not unlike the ones that started the current tragedy. Those were three frustrating and challenging years of dealing with insurance and general contractors.

In the meantime, they have been living in a temporary rental and have been using another building on their property as a home office for Steve and a studio for Sharon, who is a very talented costume designer. Countless costumes were designed and built there for the LA Opera, Troubie, and Burlesque shows.

Their house of 19 years, office/studio, and the temporary apartment were destroyed overnight in the fire. Steve has lost his office (or, as he refers to it, Mars Mission Control) and Sharon has lost her studio, including sewing and knitting machines, and irreplaceable costume reference materials. They have lost not only many sentimental treasures that they were unable to pack during their hasty departure, but Sharon’s ability to earn a living has been heavily affected. They have also lost their beloved motorcycles!!

The goal of this GoFundMe page is to raise the funds to help Steve and Sharon get through three months of expenses so they can focus their energies on the hard work that will be immediately required as they start the process of rebuilding their lives.

Please consider helping Steve and Sharon!!