Altadena Town Council Announces Creation of the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund in Partnership with GoFundMe.org

A sign in front of Grocery Outlet parking lot (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

The Altadena Town Council has officially launched the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund in collaboration with GoFundMe.org, providing crucial support to residents impacted by the devastating wildfires in January. This newly established fund aims to assist survivors in recovering and rebuilding by offering direct financial assistance.

By News Desk

The relief fund will be managed by an advisory committee made up of trusted local leaders who will oversee the fund’s structure, holdings, and distribution. The committee’s primary objective is to ensure that funds are allocated fairly and transparently to those in need.

“The need for financial assistance is urgent, as many in the community are experiencing immense hardship. The creation of this fund will give those wishing to directly and positively impact affected Altadenans a trusted source to donate to,” said Victoria Knapp, Chair of the Altadena Town Council. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of GoFundMe.org and appreciate the lengths they have gone to ensure Altadenans receive the maximum benefit from donations to this fund. Altadena is our home and together, we will rebuild.”

Unlike broader relief initiatives, the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund is specifically dedicated to the Altadena community. Donations made to the fund will be directly distributed to fire survivors, and the advisory committee will work closely with GoFundMe.org to ensure the fund’s resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

“We’re honored to partner with the Altadena Town Council on this fund to support families impacted by these devastating wildfires,” said Margaret Richardson, Board Chair of GoFundMe.org. “We hope that the grants distributed by this fund bring a measure of relief and hope to Altadenans as they begin to recover and rebuild their lives.”

The fund will assist residents in two ways: through withdrawals from their personal GoFundMe fundraiser pages or through alternative methods for those who prefer not to use the platform. While setting up a personal GoFundMe account will provide the quickest access to funds, the alternative method will be available, though it may take longer to process.

“As a 20+ year resident of Altadena, I am deeply invested in ensuring that Altadenans who were affected by the recent fires receive the support they desperately need,” said Tim Cadogan, CEO of GoFundMe, Inc. “More than $250 million has been raised on GoFundMe to help people impacted by the fires, and we know more support is urgently needed due to the horrific scale of the devastation. The Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund will help us get funds directly into the hands of those affected, providing them with immediate relief and resources.”

To kickstart the recovery, the Altadena Town Council is now inviting donations to support the fund, which will directly benefit local residents. Donations can be made starting today at GoFundMe’s Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund.

Additionally, individuals interested in contributing to the fund’s oversight are encouraged to apply to serve on the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund Advisory Committee. Application forms will be available after 12:00 pm PST on February 21, 2025, at firefundapp.altadenatowncouncil.org.