Virgil Family Fire Relief

On the night of Tuesday January 7th, I returned to my family home of 42 years for what would be the last time.

99mph Santa Ana Winds combusted with ultra dry conditions to ignite the Eaton Canyon firestorm that wiped out the entire Altadena community that we loved so dearly.

My mother and father, Tom and Carolyn Virgil purchased this home when I was just a few months old and built a life there.

It was a tiny but mighty little home for the 3 of us that miraculously expanded to host dozens of family and friends for Christmas Day Brunch, New Years Day Chili and Corned Beef & Cabbage on St. Patrick's Day year after year.

While my husband and 5 year old daughter and I live in Healdsburg, California now, it brought us so much joy to return home to Beautiful Altadena - a serene, somewhat secret little mountaintop town unlike anywhere in the world.

I was born and raised in Altadena and have so much civic pride for Altadena. I felt so hopeful for all the new, young families and independent businesses moving up to the tiny hamlet atop the SGV.

We know there are countless families and businesses that lost everything and are devastated by the total destruction that has affected countless friends and families we know and love.

We aren't sure yet what's next - all options seem impossible and painful at this early moment. These funds will help address basic and immediate relief from this horrendous loss.

We are deeply humbled by the overwhelming support extended to all of us thus far.

Thank you for baring witness with us. For sharing in our deep grief and supporting us through this impossible time.

With love and gratitude,

Emily, Drew, Ilona, Tom and Carolyn