Mary’s Story, Wildfire Fund Grantee

Anthony and Mary W., longtime residents of Santa Monica, CA, and owners of a beloved small school in their community for 14 years, never imagined they would become disaster victims. When wildfires swept through the greater Los Angeles area, burning over 40,000 acres and destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and neighborhoods, their school was among the many buildings lost to the flames. The devastation was overwhelming for the entire community, but personally they immediately lost both their physical business and their source of income. 

GoFundMe.org’s Wildfire Relief Fund provided the couple with a $1,000 cash grant, crucial support that allowed them to cover utility bills and medical insurance — payments that would have been difficult to make without income — while they dealt with insurance claims for their losses.