Stassi Family lost everything in Eaton Fire of Altadena

John Dent is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Michael Stassi.

Donation protected

Mikey and Ivee are our favorite cousins. We look forward to spending time with their family twice every year. Our kids are around the same age, and everyone enjoys being around each other.

Mikey is a set designer/artistic director and loves gardening. He and Ivee built a beautiful garden, rock walkway, and tiered garden beds, growing fruit, herbs, flowers, and more. The last time we were at their home, he showed us the extensive barriers to try and prevent animals from eating it all. He even showed how an animal had made it through several layers of defenses and ate everything he had grown. But he kept planting and trying again. He loves everything about gardening and shares that passion with our oldest daughter, Sarah. He taught her techniques and methods for healthy growth. He even brought us some plants and trees from his garden last year. Those are the only remaining plants from their garden.

The Dent family visits the Stassi's beautiful yard.

Mikey protects his produce.

Ivee is an Oncology nurse who loves to care for others in need. Our kids are always thrilled when she visits because she brings the energy and creativity of a preschool or elementary science teacher. She leads exciting science experiments and creates incredible art projects. She has a way of making every activity a fun and exciting experience.

One of her artworks inspired our favorite birthday party activity. She glued crayons on the top of a canvas and then used a hairdryer to melt them down the canvas to create a colorful masterpiece.

Ivee's art project celebrates our three girls with umbrellas and jumping with joy. (above) The Dent family recreated the activity for a birthday party.

In the blink of an eye, the Stassi family’s life was forever changed when the Eaton fire swept through their home at 3964 Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena, CA, destroying everything they had built. Mikey, Ivee, Lina (18), and Gus (16) were left with only their beloved dogs, a single car, and a few personal items. Their home, Mikey’s cherished garden, Ivee’s newly designed kitchen for her loving meals, and the latest indoor/outdoor space they had created for their kids were reduced to ashes.

The Stassi's Altadena home with their two dogs, Cali and Yoda.

The side orchard/garden was protected to prevent animals from eating their produce.

The new indoor/outdoor covered patio they created for the kids to hang out with their friends.

Tiered garden beds on the hillside where they grew fresh veggies and foods. Sometimes, they would even have a bear visit and sit in the yard right outside their patio door.

Lina left for college this fall outside the red door.

Mikey and Ivee have always been pillars of strength for their family and community. Lina is a first-year university student, and Gus is a driven 10th-grader. Now, they face the overwhelming challenge of starting over from nothing.

Although the family has insurance, the coverage does not fully cover the extent of their loss, and the rebuilding process will be lengthy and uncertain. This GoFundMe campaign is an opportunity for us to come together and provide the Stassi family with the immediate and long-term support they need to begin restoring the pieces of their lives. Your donations will help the Stassi family get back on their feet.

Emotional Recovery: Your generosity will provide the Stassi family with stability and hope as they navigate this painful chapter of their lives.

The Stassis have always been the kind of family to show up for others in need. Now, they need our help. Any contribution, regardless of size, makes a difference and shows them they are not alone, AND THEN SHARE, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE. Even if you can't donate, please share with others.

Thank you for your compassion and kindness and for rallying around the Stassi family in their time of need. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives and find hope again.

Help this Los Angeles County family to rebuild their lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

John & Mimi Dent

Goleta, CA

805-455-1861

(cousins)