If you or someone you know knows anyone in the Lakers organization front office, please forward this story to them. On April 4, 2011, a family in Ontario lost their home. Mother, father, and ten children were in the home when it went up in flames. Neighbors, and officers worked together to get the trapped family members out of the home. They were jumping out of windows and were being caught by neighbors and officers down below. The fire department quickly got on the roof while the fire was still blazing and put it out.
They didn't have much prior to the fire and now have really lost everythingl. As of today, 4/7, everyone in the family is still in the hospital recovering from different levels of exposure to the fire, except one small child that was released yesterday. They are all separated and scattered throughout four different local hospitals. The children range in age from 2-16. A ten year old boy was airlifted after receiving 30-40% burns to his entire body.
In speaking with the family I learned the older boys love the Lakers and I think it would be nice to get the entire family to a Laker game. The Ontario Police Officer's Association and the Ontario Fire Department are organizing a fund raiser for the family on April 23rd, 2011 at noon in front of the families burnt home, 1476 E. Fairfield Dr., Ontario, at noon. The street will be blocked off and neighbors, family members, and the entire community is welcome.
We will be BBQing hot dogs and hamburgers and it will be on a donation basis. Area schools and churches are already fund raising. Bon View Elementary school has started a fund raiser where the classroom who raises the most money will get a pizza party courtesy of the Ontario Police Officer's Association. I want to thank Farmer Boys for donating the food, as well as Best Buy for donating a gaming system to the boys, Wells Fargo for a money donation,and the Ontario Police Officer's Association for their time and money contribution(s).
If you cannot make it out to the BBQ, you can still donate to the family. We are asking for money and gift cards at this time. The church has already provided them with clothes and toiletries. They don't have anywhere to store anymore clothing. Checks are the best option, but gift cards for gas, and food are welcome. Since the home burned down, we are not sure where they will be moving to, so we are not sure what grocery store they will be going to for food. Checks and or money orders made out to the father would be best.
The checks can be sent to:
Ontario Police Officer's Association Attn: Payan Family
2558 S. Archibald Avenue,
Ontario Ca, 91764
Checks can be made out to Leobardo Payan (Father)
Please forward this to as many people as you can. This is truly wonderful family who is in a desperate situation. The bottom of Mr. Payan's feet were completely burned as he tried running upstairs with the garden hose to put out the flames thinking his 4 year old daughter was trapped inside. It is unknown at this time how long the recovery will be for him to start working again.
If you have any questions or want to know how you can help further please contact Officer Gabe Gutierrez.
ggutierrez@ontariopolice.org 909-395-2001 XT:4632
See the link below for the news coverage of the incident.
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-ontario-house-fire,0,5569716.story
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