July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Palisades Athletic Community Seek to Rebuild Programs, Fundraise for New Equipment

Local teams and organizations have launched fundraising efforts to help restore normalcy for affected players and ensure they can return to the field

Young athletes across the Palisades community are facing an uphill battle after recent wildfires forced evacuations, leaving many without their essential sports equipment. Local teams and organizations have launched fundraising efforts to help restore normalcy for affected players and ensure they can return to the field.

The Palisades Lacrosse community has turned to GoFundMe to replace gear and support youth sports activities. Palisades Lacrosse Youth and the Mad Dogs club lacrosse players have also received aid.

“Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by these fires,” said Dayton Gilbreath, organizer of the Palisades Lacrosse fundraiser. “We are rallying to provide emergency assistance, help rebuild lives, and ensure kids can return to the sport they love.”

The fundraiser aims to provide shelter, food, and basic necessities for displaced families while replacing lost lacrosse equipment. The campaign has raised over $30,000 of its $55,000 goal.

Similarly, the Palisades Charter High School lacrosse teams have initiated their own fundraising effort, seeking to rebuild their program. “Many of our athletes, families, and staff lost their homes, belongings, and sense of security,” said David Bucchino, head coach of the boys’ lacrosse team. The funds will help cover uniforms, field space, and equipment. The campaign has raised over $11,000 toward a $45,000 goal.

The Palisades cheerleading community is also rallying support. Several cheerleaders lost their uniforms, shoes, and practice equipment in the fire. With competition season underway, they risk losing their ability to perform. A GoFundMe campaign, spearheaded by Joslyn Soleimany, has raised over $1,100 to replace uniforms and practice gear.

In addition, 365 and TPA Athletics are working to support affected families by replacing sports equipment and covering tournament fees. “Many kids lost everything, from gloves and bats to jerseys,” said David Waco, organizer of the fundraiser, which has reached $9,900 of its $11,000 goal.

The local cycling community is also stepping up. Aidan Knierim, a competitive cyclist who lost his training equipment, has received strong support from fellow riders. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $4,200 of its $8,000 goal to help replace his track bike and other necessary gear.

A local soccer and basketball coach, Christian Irwin, has also been impacted, losing his family’s home and his children’s sports equipment. A fundraising effort has raised over $6,500 to help his family rebuild and replace essential gear.

Beyond individual athletes, the Palisades Recreation Center staff—key figures in maintaining the area’s thriving sports community—are also in need of support. Many lost their homes, and a fundraiser to assist them has raised $4,000 of a $7,000 goal.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...