Avonians Organize Fundraiser for Teammate Who Lost Home in LA Wildfires

After a teammate lost his house in the recent Los Angeles area wildfires, members of the varsity hockey team felt compelled to help in some way. After brainstorming together and with school administrators, Cooper Snee ’25, Josh Travaglino ’25, and Indy Grossbard ’26 decided to organize a raffle to raise money for the victims of the deadly disaster. 

In January, multiple wildfires scorched the southern California region resulting in dozens of deaths and the loss of more than 15,000 structures. The fires spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds, forcing the evacuation of more than 200,000 people. The worst of the fires burned through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where current Warden Sam Houston is from. 

Sam says that this wasn’t the first time his family had to be evacuated due to threat of wildfires, but it very quickly took a turn for the worst. “My mom and I were both here in Avon, and my dad was visiting my sister in Colorado, so none of us were there, but we were getting updates from our neighbors,” Sam shares. “During that time, there was such a lack of certitude. We were hoping our home and our town would be alright, but our neighbors were sending videos of the fires getting closer. Then it hit our neighborhood and we just had no idea what to do.”

For Sam, it wasn’t just the loss of his own home that devastated him. “It’s actually a pretty small town, and I love it so much. All the schools, the churches, they burned down, too. We’re going to try to rebuild because we don’t want to leave that place, but it’s going to take a long time.”

Sam’s teammates on the varsity hockey team watched the news coverage of the fires alongside him. “I’ve been fortunate to have never experienced that, but I can see how hard it is to lose everything,” Josh says. “You could almost see it on his face. I just wanted to do whatever I could to help.” Josh, Cooper, and Indy brought their idea of organizing a raffle fundraiser to Head of School Jim Detora P’12 as well as Director of Athletics and Assistant Varsity Hockey Coach Geoff Barlow ’98. They didn’t hesitate to give the green light. “The news of the wildfires hit close to home and they wanted to help somehow,” Geoff says. “They all came together and used their connections to track down all of the raffle prizes. The hope is to raise funds for the victims and be sure the devastation gets some attention on campus.” 

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” says Sam. “The first I heard about it, the guys had already gotten approval from Mr. Detora. They’ve really just overwhelmed me with support during a tough time.” 

Prizes include several authenticated signed items from sports legends across hockey, football, and basketball including a signed Shaquille O’Neal basketball and signed Mike Eruzione jersey. Tickets are just $5 each. Students can purchase tickets directly from hockey team members, while anyone else can contact Geoff Barlow to secure their entries. 

The raffle will be held between periods of the varsity hockey game on February 15th. For tickets or questions, please contact Geoff Barlow. Proceeds from the raffle will go directly to families affected by the fires. Sam says his town has created a spreadsheet compiling what each affected family needs, allowing him and his teammates to personally direct any funds raised to those most in need.

Return To News