When the wildfires in Los Angeles wreaked havoc, destroying homes and shattering communities, the devastation was deeply personal for two University of Virginia Darden School of Business students. Despite being over 2,000 miles away in Charlottesville, Madelyn Merchant and Bella Martin felt the impact keenly and mobilized to help.
In response to the disaster, Merchant and Martin, along with their peers and the local community, organized a successful fundraiser at Three Notch’d Brewery, raising approximately $10,000. The event included a raffle and a silent auction, with prizes generously donated by local businesses and Darden School alumni. Proceeds are earmarked for the Los Angeles Fire Department and families affected by the wildfires.
“This fundraiser has validated why I chose this school,” Martin stated. “The people here genuinely care about one another. One person’s suffering becomes another’s opportunity to lend a helping hand.”
Merchant, originally from La Cañada Flintridge, a town near Pasadena and Altadena, witnessed the devastation first-hand when she traveled home. Her former neighbors in Altadena lost their homes, and the places she cherished were left in ruins.
“Driving through Altadena was apocalyptic,” Merchant recounted. “Rows of chimneys looked like headstones. Entire streets were wiped out, leaving only rubble where homes once stood. The destruction is unfathomable.”
Efforts to restore the area were underway, and Merchant saw hope in the resilience of her community. Meanwhile, Martin faced a similarly harrowing experience as her childhood home in Altadena narrowly escaped the flames.
“I’ve watched friends lose everything,” Martin said. “One friend sat helplessly as her backyard ignited, while another was jolted awake as debris shattered through her living room. My heart breaks for the children with no home to return to and no school to find comfort in.”
The students’ dedication to organizing the fundraiser involved actively engaging with local businesses in Charlottesville to solicit donations for the event. Merchant described the overwhelming support they received.
“Before I could even finish explaining, many businesses turned around to start printing gift cards or pulling items off shelves to donate,” Merchant said.
Donations ranged from dining vouchers to yoga classes and handmade products, illustrating the community’s willingness to support a cause that, although geographically distant, resonated deeply with them. The collective effort provided a sense of encouragement and solidarity in a time of crisis.
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