Help the Ghantous Family After Fire Loss

Hello Friends, Family, and Kindhearted Strangers,

I write to you today on behalf of the Ghantous family—made up of Valli, Steffen, and Alex (pictured above)—three of the kindest, hardest-working, and most loving people I’ve ever known. The Ghantouses are not only a second family to me, they're a second family to so many in the Altadena/Pasadena area. Similarly, their home of 20 years on Marengo Ave was the physical embodiment of them: warm, inviting, and full of joy; a home Steffen and Valli have remained in and taken care of as if it was another member of their family...

That is why it's so heartbreaking to share that the Ghantous family lost that same home of 20 years in the devastating Eaton Fire just a few nights ago. As you can see in the photos, their house—and the back house—were completely destroyed, along with all of their belongings, including irreplaceable artwork, family photos, and keepsakes. Everything gone in the blink of an eye.

While I'm relieved to share that Valli, Steffen, and their two dogs evacuated safely, the emotional and financial toll of this tragedy is immense. Needless to say, Valli and Steffen have been knocked down by this fire and need a hand getting back up.

Donations from this GoFundMe will help Valli and Steffen secure temporary housing for at least the next 6 months while they figure out how to rebuild their home in Altadena. The remaining funds will be used to cover basic necessities like clothes and essential day-to-day items lost in the blaze.

The most important thing is that Steffen and Valli are physically safe, but now that they are, the best thing we can do is be there for them the same way they'd be there for us. Any contribution, big or small, means the world to us. If you can't donate, all we ask is that you please share this with your friends, family, and colleagues. Every share goes a long way in helping the Ghantous family.

Thank you for your time, thank you for your generosity, and thank you for your support. It truly means the world to all of us.

Sincerely,

Cameron Dupuy, a fellow proud Altadena native