Ventura County Leadership Academy raises over $22,000 to support families Impacted by Mountain Fire
This article was originally published by Amigos805.
Community Comes Together to Support Fire-Affected Households Left Without Federal Aid
VENTURA — More than 150 community members gathered together on Friday, April 25th at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula for Trivia Night at the Museum, hosted by the 30th cohort of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA). The fundraiser raised over $22,000 to support families still rebuilding after the Mountain Fire, a disaster that destroyed homes and livelihoods in the Camarillo area—most of whom have been left without access to FEMA and other types of federal aid that are based on the overall size of any given disaster.
The event benefited the Ventura County Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund, which helps provide emergency housing, childcare, medical care, and financial assistance to families who continue to face hardship months after the fire.
“Trivia Night at the Museum was more than just a fundraiser, it was a demonstration of what happens when a community shows up for its own,” said Justin Karbowski, a member of VCLA’s 30th cohort. “We heard deeply personal stories that moved us to act. Thanks to our community’s response, we exceeded our fundraising goal to help those impacted by the Mountain Fire.”
Among those stories were:
- Arik, who now faces homelessness while managing serious health issues: “Before the fire, I was in a situation where I wasn’t paying for housing because I was formerly a live-in caregiver… Without income, there’s simply nowhere for me to go.”
- Maritza, a mother of three with a child on the autism spectrum, shared how her family has been displaced and separated since the fire: “For a child with autism who depends on routine, this loss has been especially traumatic.”
- Filemon, who lost his home and job, has been left without stable housing or employment: “My biggest concern has been losing my job, which happened when the fire destroyed everything.”
These personal narratives, among others, emphasize the dire need that remains for individuals and families impacted by the Mountain Fire.
During the VCLA fundraiser, guests enjoyed local wine, appetizers, and trivia, along with access to the museum’s “In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County” exhibit. The evening successfully combined entertainment with community-driven fundraising, bringing people together around a shared commitment to local recovery efforts.
The event was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors:
- Gold Sponsors: California American Water, Lifetech Resources, Ocean Air Federal Credit Union, Premier America Credit Union, Ventura County Credit Union
- Bronze Sponsors: Community Colleges of Ventura County, Denham Woodworks, Fence Factory, Law Firm of Friedman Bartoumian, M2P Leadership, Parque 1055
- Underwriting Sponsors: Institution Ale Company, Matt B Plumbing, Museum of Ventura County, Next Move Unlimited, Ventura Spirits, Wolf Photography, Wrapped
Those interested in supporting families impacted by the Mountain Fire can make donations directly to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s “Support Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund."
About Ventura County Leadership Academy – The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region. – www.vcleadership.org – 805-253-2683