Support INCREDIBLE Family Devastated by California Fires

Hi Everyone,

I didn’t expect to be writing this, especially now when we’re all hoping for fresh starts. But as we sit here in Scotland, behind our screens, our former home in California—our literal backyard—is burning.

We moved to Scotland from the Pacific Palisades, which as of yesterday has been engulfed in flames. Our kids’ schools, our friends’ homes, and the parks where our children played have all been obliterated. We’re incredibly lucky to be here in Scotland at the moment, but our hearts are breaking for those still there.

I’m writing this just after a call with one of my closest friends, Nicole Gyarmathy . She phoned from a hotel where she is now staying with her husband, daughters, and dog. Their home in the Palisades is gone. As they drove out of Pali, everything was engulfed in flames. They were among the last to leave, stopping to help elderly neighbors and strangers on their way out. They managed to grab some important papers and a few bananas and oranges. That’s it.

Their business, Johnson Tree Company, a local business which has been in the Palisades for over 100 years and focused on caring for indigenous trees in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu area, is now gone. They had little savings already, and are uncertain about their income for the indefinite future.

They don’t know what comes next.

I’ve never started a GoFundMe before, but this family has been part of our extended family for over 10 years. They have always given selflessly to others, never asking for anything in return. They are the type of people I aspire to be like- openhearted and have a passion for life that you cannot help but envy. I smile just thinking about them as I write this.

I know it’s just after the holidays, and many of us probably overspent, but seeing the devastation on the news and social media—or even being personally affected—makes us want to do something. If it’s within your means to help a family you may not know, I hope you’ll consider it.

They need funds to put a deposit down on a new apartment to get a roof over their heads. They need beds, sheets, pillows, towels... the basics. If you have any connections to any of these please reach out. Whether you work somewhere that could give advice, direction, donations, whatever... its all so much needed and so deeply appreciated!

Thank you for reading, and for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Jess and Aaron

PS: NICOLE, ELI, TRSITAN AND PRESLEY

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS.

MAY THE GOOD YOU BRING INTO THIS WORLD COME BACK TO YOU TEN-FOLD!

The below is to comply with Go Fund Me Regulations

1. Jess Ross

2. Pacific Palisades, CA/ Edinburgh, Scotland

3. Raising Money for a Family Friend

4. The funds raised in the Go Fund Me will be used to provide immediate shelter, food, and supplies until the family is allowed to return to the site where the home was. If any funds remain, it will be used to begin to rebuild a new home and business.