Support the Giffin Family After Fire Loss

This GoFundMe page has been created by Kate Markowitz and Zoe Robertson for our dear friends, the Giffin family. Philip, Karen, Willa, and Emmett have lost their 1941 Pacific Palisades home of 35 years, and all of its contents to the devastating Palisades Fire. Close to the bluffs, this house had an enormous 120-year-old Magnolia tree in the front yard, a towering Sycamore in the backyard (with Phil's mother's ashes buried beneath), a prolific orange tree, amidst roses, flowers, and beautiful greenery.

If you know the Giffin family, a GoFundMe page would never be initiated by them, neither to seek charity, nor attention. They have had thriving careers and have worked hard for their security and home life.

But, since Phil (FILM/TV COMPOSER, RECORD PRODUCER) and Karen (RECORDING ARTIST/VOCAL COACH) worked from home, their very livelihoods were intertwined with their home. Additionally, Willa’s baking business BATTER UP BAKED GOODS has been solely dependent upon the Giffin’s kitchen…this last holiday season, she baked and sold over 1632 cookies and brownies. Not to mention, this has been Willa and Emmett’s childhood home and the items lost are priceless for the entire family.

In the kitchen: Karen’s incredible pottery collections, walk through and notice the art, vintage instruments, sea glass in Mason Jars, home-made mosaics, countless symbols of creativity, family history, music and beauty everywhere.

Philip Giffin’s fully equipped recording studio in the back was a creative space, surrounded by huge windows with views of the trees and sky. What an inspiring place to work. Custom woodwork, detailed in design. So much gear, irreplaceable vintage instruments that will be missed beyond words. It was state of the art, but with a great comfortable feel.

If you know the Giffin family, you know how generous they are, and have always been. Over the years, they have opened their warm home to countless vagabonds, family and friends, including me. Zoe and I have both been recipients of their open hearts.

We feel strongly that creating this GoFundMe for the Giffin family might offer their friends/co-workers/loved ones a small way to feel less helpless in this tragic situation. From what we understand, insurance/Federal /state relief… ALL of these things take time, and don’t always cover so many unexpected expenses for fire loss victims. The funds raised will be put towards covering the costs of a temporary rental, as well as other survival needs such as food, clothing, toiletries and gas.

We thank you in advance for anything you can give.

Kate and Zoe