Help Tom Carruth Rebuild After Eaton Fire

Fire Destroys Home of Rose Hybridizer Tom Carruth

On the early morning of Jan 8th Tom Carruth lost his Altadena home of almost 40 years and virtually all of his belongings in the Eaton Fire. All Tom and Rob were able to escape with were their cell phones, iPads, meds, and a change of clothes. That’s it. Everything else was lost in the devastating fire.

Over Tom Carruth’s lifetime, he has given so much to the rose world and the community at large. As one of the top rose hybridizers, he has created many of the world’s most beloved roses. Since his retirement, he’s been serving as Curator of the Rose Collection at The Huntington. A kind and generous soul, he has touched many lives, whether you know him personally or not. Tom Carruth has given the world so much beauty and love. Due to the fire, he has lost almost everything. It’s time for us to give back; show our appreciation, and support.

Please donate to help Tom with expenses incurred with the sudden displacement, loss of possessions, uncertain future, and more. It’s hard to process how difficult it is when so much is gone forever. This is our opportunity to show we care, and are there for him in this difficult time as he tries to rebuild his life.

This fundraiser for Tom Carruth is being organized by Beverly Rose Hopper of Jackson CA, along with friends in the rose community and beyond. Tom has given so much beauty. Sadly now he has lost almost everything in this devastating fire. Let's do all we can to help in his time of need.

Thank you for your support and generosity. *Please note when making donations a GoFundMe "tip" may appear on screen; this can be adjusted or eliminated by sliding the tip scale to left or zero.

Update Jan 17

Just over a week ago, the GoFundMe “Help Tom Carruth Rebuild After Eaton Fire” was organized to help provide support for our dear friend and legendary rose hybridizer Tom Carruth, who lost almost everything in the devastating Southern California fires. There has been an outpouring of support which is greatly appreciated. Tom has received calls from all over the USA and around the world, and with your generous donations and sharing the news of how people can help, almost $40,000 has been raised so far. Tom and Rob are very grateful.

A number of groups have reposted the info on their social media to help get the word out. Thank you to the great group of volunteers and staff members at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Thank you to the Rose Hybridizer Association, the California Nursery Garden Club, GardenWeb, and many rose societies such as Houston, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Desert, North Bay, Mt Diablo, Santa Clara County, Mother Lode and more. Thank you also to groups such as the Gay Men of Palm Springs and the many individuals who reached out almost immediately to help. Sharing the news and how people can help makes a big difference.

Two other bits of news: Green Acres Nursery just released a podcast of a recent interview with Tom Carruth. It includes discussion of hybridizing, rose culture, and his work as Curator of the Rose Collection at the Huntington. You can listen to the interview on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGCkpHZPoYE

Also check out the news article from California Local “Famed Rose Breeder Loses Home in Wildfire” https://sacdigsgardening.californialocal.com/article/296358-carruth-fire-fundraiser/

Thank you again for your generosity and support to help Tom and Rob rebuild their life after the devastating fire. He is very grateful. Over Tom’s lifetime he has given the world so much beauty with his roses; this is our opportunity to give back.

Update Jan 11 - Heartfelt Message from Tom & Rob:

"The first night of the fire we evacuated to a friend's house. Then at 4 AM we had to evacuate again, this time to the Pasadena Convention Center. In the morning we were able to drive by our home only to see it engulfed in flames. Heartbreaking. We are now staying with friends in Pasadena while looking for a temporary place to move to, and figure out what's next.

We have witnessed a phenomenal community effort, everyone working together to get through this and to get cleaned up. The outpouring of support from all of our friends and neighbors has been very gratifying. It's time to smell some roses."

Tom & Rob