Thank You Everyone for the Support!!

Hello, we are Rodjenay and Ireja, the grandchildren of June McWhorter Ceasar and Sylvester Ceasar. On January 7, 2025, our family faced an unimaginable tragedy. The home where our grandparents built a life together—where they raised their children, welcomed generations of grandchildren, and created a safe haven for all of us—was destroyed in a devastating wildfire that swept through California. This was not just a house; it was the heart and soul of our family. Its loss is a deep and painful blow that we are still trying to process.

Our grandmother, June Ceasar, 74, has lived a life of incredible resilience and love. At just 25 years old, she left behind her roots in Tennessee and Detroit to start a new life in California. She bought this home, not just as a place to live but as a foundation for her children’s future. In that home, she raised five children—four daughters and one son—and watched our family grow to include 20 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. The home became a true sanctuary, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. It was where generations of us grew, learned, and found safety.

Our grandfather, Sylvester Ceasar, 79, is a man whose life has been marked by his tireless service to others. For 27 years, he worked at the Rose Bowl and Brookside Golf Course, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him. His commitment to God and his fellow employees was evident in everything he did. Weekly Bible study meetings that he led at the Rose Bowl were a central part of his ministry, where employees and community members came together for fellowship, guidance, and support. His colleagues turned to him during personal struggles, knowing he would always be there with wise counsel and unwavering faith. Sylvester’s leadership, compassion, and unselfishness shaped the culture at the Rose Bowl, creating a supportive, faith-filled environment where people could rely on one another.

The respect for my grandfather in the community is immeasurable. His colleagues continue to echo how his faith, commitment to others, and leadership positively impacted their lives. Whether it was offering guidance to a struggling friend or helping someone in need, Sylvester’s dedication to service and his unshakable belief in the power of love and faith created a lasting legacy of kindness. His work and his presence made the Rose Bowl and Brookside Golf Course more than just places of employment—they were communities of people who cared for each other, thanks in large part to his leadership and example.

Together, my grandparents built a life of love, sacrifice, and service that touched countless lives. Despite the physical challenges my grandmother faces, she has always been the glue that holds our family together. And my grandfather’s unwavering faith and commitment to helping others have shown us all what it truly means to serve with love and humility.

Now, as we try to rebuild after the fire that destroyed their home, we are reaching out to our community, friends, and anyone who can help. With my grandmother’s birthday approaching on January 18, we hope to give her more than just a house—we want to give her a home again. A place where she can once again feel the warmth and security of the family she worked so hard to build.

The house we lost was not just a structure—it was the symbol of my grandparents’ resilience, sacrifices, and deep love for their family. It was where we gathered, laughed, and grew together. We humbly ask for your support in helping us rebuild this piece of our family’s legacy, so our grandparents and our family can reclaim the safety, warmth, and love that their home represented.

If GoFundMe doesn’t work for you or isn’t your preferred method of contribution, we are also accepting donations via Venmo at @rodjenayc. Additionally, if you would prefer to send a check, please contact me directly through GoFundMe for further instructions.

Any donation, no matter how small, will help us move forward. Your support means more to us than we can put into words—it will give our grandparents the chance to live the rest of their lives surrounded by the family they have nurtured and the love they have always given.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and your support during this incredibly difficult time. Together, we can restore not just a house, but the foundation of our family’s future.