Rebuilding with Shelly and Loren

Two incredible people who have given so much to so many have suffered an incredible tragedy. Consider their story and opening your heart.  

After first marriages that yielded incredible memories and four beautiful daughters, Shelly Toltz and Loren Finkelstein had a second chance at love. Loren’s witty charm and impeccable smile wooed Shelly. In June of 2013, they married in a small religious ceremony, rooted in their Jewish faith. Less than a year later, life tested their newly cemented bond. Loren’s dear mother was laid to rest. As he began to move forward, Shelly dealt with the ongoing challenges of helping aging relatives. Shelly and Loren were able to end the 2014 calendar year with a new home! Enjoying Shelly and Loren’s company became synonymous with cocktails on the back patio and lazy summer afternoons by the pool. The couple joyously shared the Hanukkah season in their new home.

In 2015, the pair confronted a struggle that no couple should ever have to face. Parents are not meant to bury their children. Yet, Shelly and Loren suffered the incredible pain of losing a precious daughter to addiction.

With 3 years full of high highs and low lows, Shelly and Loren were wildly grateful to head into a seemingly calm stretch. 2016 and 2017 proved to be years focused on activism, community and family. Loren dove head first into writing, sponsorship and other services for the organizations that help families struggling with addiction. Along with her ever-present desire to mentor young optometrists, Shelly refocused her energy on helping others in need. The couple found solace in music, walks, Avalanche games, relaxing in their beautiful home and time with each other.

Unfortunately, 2018 is proving to be one of the most challenging years yet.

On April 11, 2018 tragedy struck the Toltz-Finkelstein home.

Fierce flames coupled with relentless winds combined to destroy their home and damage four others. Fire fighters fought for nearly 10 hours to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

The good news is that Shelly and Loren are safe. In fact, all impacted by the fire are safe – even the neighbors​' pets! The other good news is that Shelly and Loren’s most immediate needs have been met. They are safely in a hotel with enough food and clothing to get them through the next two weeks.

​Over this period, they will be moving into temporary housing that should provide more stability for the coming months.

The bad news is that Shelly and Loren have lost everything. There is very little, if anything, that will be salvaged from the charred structure. While the couple does have insurance, ​it will not completely cover the full financial cost of this total loss. But, if we band together and pool resources, we can offer valuable peace of mind that Shelly and Loren will ​ be able to rebuild. We are asking for all those who can to offer monetary support to our dear friends.