As I edit this it has been just under 3  weeks since the worst fire in California history has devastated much of Northern California and parts of Orange County. We saw fires roar across hillsides, jump six-lane highways and ravage whole communities, in a blink. My prayers and healing energy go out to all affected. As Realtors, we feel extra connected to the sanctity of the place we call home.  Another stark reality is that we know several people who not only lost their homes but also lost the place of businesses... unfathomable.

Philip and I have our second home of 16 yrs. in Sonoma County,  just a few miles west of the Coffey Park  & Fountain Grove neighborhoods that account for the majority of the 2,900 homes incinerated in Santa Rosa alone! But for the grace of the winds, that could have been our neighborhood and our home; or any of us who live in California for that matter- Fire is an ever-present danger.  We spent a few hours driving through once lush tree studded neighborhoods, and the devastation is like nothing I have ever seen, ever. Block upon the block, mile after mile of rubble and scorched earth.

We feel so much gratitude in the wake of all this loss, and feel compelled to help those affected in our own way.  There are no shortages of worthy causes and we all know people in need. But because of the magnitude of this disaster, I needed to do something beyond my own capacity to contribute. Spurred on by some good friends who said, “Scott take this money and put it where it is needed”, I thought: "Hey, together with all my friends and contacts We CAN make a difference right now before the next thing takes over the media.

I had heard of Funding Sites but never tried one of my own. Needing to find the right repository, I researched carefully to make sure that all contributions would go directly to those in need. I decided upon the Redwood Federal Credit Union right in Santa Rosa. See all the details below, as to the wonderful work they are doing to get funds to those who need it most, now.

I've also chosen this particular funding site because unlike the larger sites of this type they don't take 5% off the top, they take nothing (they suggest an amount, you can decline, or offer something). They do collect a 2.9% transaction fee (a tad less than the other sites), which goes directly to the credit card company.

Please consider however, a donation of any size to a cause that is very close to me for the reasons stated above. If this feels right, we thank you with all of our hearts.Even giving up the equivalent of the next few purchased snacks or coffees can make a difference. If you feel you cannot donate at this time please share this and consider that your donation.

Thank you for your time. Those of you that know me well, know I think big and always set really big goals. I really hope this takes off and WE TOGETHER can be part of making a big difference and help with the rebuilding of lives and homes.

Northern California Wild Fires

• 210,000+ acres burned
• 5,700+ structures destroyed, 2,900 in Santa Rosa
• 42 fatalities
• 185 injuries

Canyon Fire 2 (Orange County)

• 9,217 acres burned 
• 25 structures destroyed 
  
• 4 injuries

Redwood Credit Union's North Bay Fire Relief Fund was created by RCU Community Fund, Inc. (RCUCF) in partnership with Redwood Credit Union (RCU), The Press Democrat and Senator Mike McGuire, to support victims and relief efforts of the devastating 2017 North Bay fires. Following is important information about fund disbursements:

RCU is covering all administrative costs, so 100% of all donations will go to fire victims and relief efforts. Please check back regularly as we will regularly update this information as additional disbursements are made to support fire victims and relief efforts. 

Who/what will the donations fund? 

• The North Bay Fire Relief fund supports the immediate needs of community members most impacted by the North Bay fires, including: 
• Fire victims in the four counties affected — Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake — who have lost homes 
• First responders who lost homes while fighting fires and protecting our communities
  
  
• Kids and schools (public and private) in the four counties impacted by the fires
  
  
• Who is making fund distribution decisions?
  
  
  

Representatives from RCU Community Fund, Redwood Credit Union, Senator Mike McGuire and The Press Democrat are allocating funds based on the greatest immediate needs of the fire victims, with vital information from key leaders in this disaster, including the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Cal Fire, local authorities (Sheriff and Police), area Supervisors, Office of Education and Superintendents of schools, nonprofits and community leaders. 

Where has funding been provided so far? 

The contributions of donors have supported the immediate needs of fire victims and relief efforts in the following ways: 

• $225,00 has been disbursed to support: 
• Urgent food needs of fire victims: Funds have been provided to Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), which is providing immediate food to fire victims in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties and to Community Action Napa Valley (CANV), which is providing food to fire victims in Napa County. 
• Immediate/short and midterm housing needs of fire victims: We have partnered with Petaluma People Service Center to support the short and midterm housing needs of victims.

$7 million is already committed to support:

• Fire victims: We've partnered with several local nonprofits to assist with application and fund disbursements in the affected counties for people who lost their homes in the fires.
  
  
  
• School children who lost their homes: We've partnered with the Office of Education, which is working with the superintendents of schools—both public and private—to identify children whose families have lost their homes. We have designated funds to provide immediate support to kids for school clothes and supplies, so children can get back to school as soon as possible.
  
  
  

Follow the progress of the Credit Unions' Relief Efforts at: (https://www.redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief)