Support Marie and Arnaud after Los Angeles wildfires

Maia Jasper is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Arnaud Pele.

Donation protected

Help Arnaud, Marie, and their upcoming baby recover from the Eaton Fire that destroyed their home and dreams

Two of my music students and personal friends, Marie Kasprzack and Arnaud Pelé -- a brilliant and lovely French couple working as engineers for the LIGO project at Caltech -- tragically lost all their belongings and their beautiful neighborhood to the Eaton Fire in Altadena on January 7, 2025.

Marie and Arnaud eagerly await their first child, who is due this April. They had imagined welcoming him (or her; they want to be surprised!) to their Altadena home -- a place they cherished and lovingly called Cielito Lindo.

Over the years, they've filled their home with music: Arnaud playing the piano, Marie playing the violin. Both enjoyed crafting and baking for friends. They also loved hiking in the nearby Altadena trails, finding peace and inspiration in nature. Their memories in this house were filled with joy, whether gathered around a table with friends or family, enjoying musical moments, or generously sharing sewing tips.

Now, they need our support. Their immediate goal is to find a place to live where they can comfortably prepare for their baby’s arrival.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant difference in helping Marie and Arnaud get back on their feet.
Share Their Story: Spread the word about Marie and Arnaud’s situation. The more people who know, the more support they can receive.
Offer Resources: If you have any leads on housing, furniture, or musical instruments, please reach out. Every bit of help counts.

Marie and Arnaud have always been generous with their time and talents, bringing joy to those around them through music, hospitality, and their love for the outdoors. I can personally attest to this, as they've lent their charm and graciousness to help out with innumerable concerts.

Now, it's our turn to come together to support them.

As a mother, I know that all their baby needs is their loving arms. I also know that expecting one's first child is an incredibly tender chapter of life. The urge to "nest" is real, and for good reason. It breaks my heart that the earth swallowed Cielito Lindo whole at this exquisitely vulnerable moment of anticipation in their lives.

All Baby Pelé needs is Marie and Arnaud -- but Marie and Arnaud need us. Together, we can help Marie and Arnaud create new, beautiful memories as they prepare to welcome their baby.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. In case you are able to consider supporting others, Marie and Arnaud have generously also asked me to share GoFundMe links for their neighbors here, here, and here.

With gratitude,

Maia Jasper White, on behalf of Marie Kasprzack and Arnaud Pelé

Director of Chamber Music, Caltech