I think most people here know me. I have been around since the start of the forum. I run a little website about Shelbys. I have never asked for a dime to run that site in 25 years.
I justed wanted to make people aware of one of our forum members that literally lost everything he had, including a triple black, GT500 KR convertible. The car can be replaced, but obviously there is a lot that can not be.
He is not asking for money, however I think a few dollars might be of some comfort.
Over the next couple weeks, I want to keep my own posts focused on this tragedy.
I am not the guy that donates to every sad puppy appeal or sends money to orphans. As a matter of fact, my donation history is pretty weak.
This has made me upset. Hopefully, I wont overwhelm you to the point of becoming annoying.
How can I help? You can Paypal Bob's family at rjcassling@gmail.com
100% of your donation goes directly to Bob's family. No fees no expenses, no middle man taking their cut. When they ask you what its for, find the box marked "Friends and Family"
If you don't do Paypal; email me Coralsnake68@hotmail.com. It does not have to be a lot, even $10 would be a nice gesture. Maybe we raise a couple hundred dollars total to help a brother out towards his new beginnings?
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Heard you Pete and have done.
Many of us have benefited in many ways from our Shelby hobby, time to share.
Joe
Very nice of you to do this Coralsnake.
Over the years I have donated less and less, unless I have some sort of connection. Maybe that's bad. but it's just the truth since it's getting harder to know who's legit and who's not, who really cares and who doesn't. I have Paypal I will send him some $$$ along with prayers and blessings!
Thank you,
-Rick
I appreciate you guys
I dont know why this makes me so emotional?
This is serious and real
Thanks for setting this up Pete
I lost everything to a fire once so I know how devastating it is.
I only offer the suggestion.
I know what team I want to be on
I just sent him a donation. I wish there was more I could do. Bob is one of the good ones!! I'll never forget the big shit-eating grin on his face as he took the car out for a romp ride right after judging at Mid-Ohio.
PayPal donation sent, can't imagine what it would like to go through such a devastating experience ...thanks for helping us help a fellow SAAC member Pete.
Fred
PayPal donation sent. What a terrible experience. It could have been anyone of us.
Mr Gaines you are a role model
I appreciate all of you.
Just sent Bob a donation. He is one of the good guys. At a LASAAC car show many years ago I arrived at the Santa Monica Pier without my detailing towels and products. After driving from Carpinteria, my car needed some attention. Bob graciously lent me what I needed. That was above and beyond in my book.
Greek
Donation sent. Can't imagine this loss or anyone's in this devastation
Wishing him and his family strength
Trent
Not sure if true, but has been in the News on many Channels that many people in the Pacific Palisades recently lost their Home Insurance because the companies pulled out. Not sure about the Car Insurance. It will be many many Years to rebuild IF they can even get the Materials TO rebuild. Over 10,000 Homes PLUS all the Businesses that have already burned, think about all the Lumber alone........
Sending a donation as soon as I get home awful news to hear Pete what a beautiful car lost
-Adam
I encourage everyone to look at the forum and see what is posted.
I thank everyone that has recognized what is important.
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 13, 2025, 02:44:50 PMNot sure if true, but has been in the News on many Channels that many people in the Pacific Palisades recently lost their Home Insurance because the companies pulled out. Not sure about the Car Insurance.
We don't need to portray the insurance companies as the bad guy for this. Insurance companies saw the risk and asked the CA Insurance Commission for rate increases. Those were denied so the companies decided not to write policies in ALL fire prone areas. The state set up their own program (like they did for earthquakes) - for more money and with a cap on the pay out.
Haggerty Who I have a couple collectable cars with was proactive and sent out emails to their customers with contact and "what to do" information. I don't remember if it came the day the fires started or if they sent it when the warning went out.
Great idea Pete. Thanks for posting the idea and some instructions so people can consider the donation
Hopefully the car was well insured but their are so many unforeseen cost associated with big losses and they never seem to be all covered. Plus its also just good karma something that you can never have too much of
If your going to use PayPal for this choose sending this as Friend and Family so 100% get to them
Sent
Happy to donate...there but for the grace of God go I
Wow
I am overwhelmed with all of your support and prayers. Thank you so much. I am heartened by my vision that the car is new being well taken care of by Carroll and crew in his new abode. He must have a huge garage!!
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. We will muddle thru with help from my immediate family and my Shelby family.
Bob
Thanks Bob,
I want to thank everyone especially SAAC and Ron the moderator.
They have graciously extended Bobs membership at no charge.
Please consider making a donation if you have not. The money is not important its your thoughts. It goes directly to someone that can use it, not some sketchy organization that is skimming off the top.
Rjcassling@gmail.com
Thoughtful way to help out a lovely guy!
Glad to see the forum used for a great purpose.
Thanks to Coralsnake
if you can, please share. This could happen to any of us
This is a nightmare , sended donation.
Over the next weeks the full scope of the tragedy will be known. I already had 3 friends who they or their parents lost everything. This morning was an email from my Model A club that our president had lost his home and cars. All these were in the Eton fire.
The impact from these fires will be nation wide. The rebuilding will create a huge increased demand for materials and labor. The other thing that could impact many of us, what if the auto insurance companies go belly up and our policies are no good. I feel for the people of the fires. This is devastating, apocalyptic.
Sent my donation. I would rather send the money to him than some nebulous organization that might never send the funds where needed. I hope he gets back on his feet again as soon as possible.
Palisades map link below, zooming in and clicking on a property has recent images. I would encourage others to have a look, it really hits home as to what has happened there. Entire neighborhoods lost. Home values are $2M+, can't even imagine what the financial impact will be, much less the human impact. A reminder to have an evacuation plan in place, no matter where you live.
https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/
One of my friends went through a fire a while back, more than money one of the most valuable things that he appreciated were friends that he could trust coming over to help him sift through the ashes. Sometimes time offered from a trusted friend is worth a lot more than money. God bless everyone that has gone through this Hell. I don't think we have heard even the tip of the iceberg in relationship to the damage.
John
I know people are probably fatigued by this post. But, please consider what it would be like to lose so much. Bob lived in this house for 35 years.
When he sent me this photo, I took me two days to notice the car.
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Please email or pay pal Bob at rjcassling@gmail.com
Your generosity will be rewarded
I can't even imagine. One day everything is fine and the next you don't even have a clean pair of skivies to put on. Heartbreaking.
Donation sent. Hang in there Bob.
One last note before this mornings clown show starts, I will be looking at offering everyone that donated a special discount on Alloy Metal wiring in the near future.
Your compassion is appreciated
Pete
Pete i tried clicking on bob email. several times and nothing happens so is it just me or what am i doing wrong here?
Its you 😉
Its not a link
You can reuse it to email or paypal Bob
ok so i need high tech help still old skool.
I dont believe that for a second. You are very crafty.
One last thank you to everyone that has donated and expressed concern for Bobs terrible experience. I hope to have updates in the future.
Happy to help Bob.
Some historical perspective of this issue.
https://youtu.be/UxnC1WW95XE?si=jVDGJ7yqGIvniIVy
Quote from: Coralsnake on January 20, 2025, 12:25:21 PMOne last thank you to everyone that has donated and expressed concern for Bobs terrible experience. I hope to have updates in the future.
Thanks for doing this for Bob. Just sent a small amount, wish it could be more. We should all send whatever amount we can. For those that don't know Bob, he truly is a great person.
I remember seeing a black KR vert at Mid Ohio SAAC concours 2016. Was that Bobs car by chance.
Quote from: NukeGT on January 23, 2025, 03:07:11 PMHappy to help Bob.
Some historical perspective of this issue.
https://youtu.be/UxnC1WW95XE?si=jVDGJ7yqGIvniIVy
Film reminds me of the Oakland Hills as well as a few others I attended over the years.
Bobs car did win a SAAC concours Gold and then he drove it regularly!
Bob reports he is in a new home. Its a good start. He has expressed his gratitude to the kind people of the forum many times.
Go Bob! We are here for you
This thread has reinforced my faith in the guys here. It's good to know the majority of people are focused on what's important
Donation sent.
1962 and here we are in 2025 ????
Pete you are a great Man!!
I appreciate that sentiment, however I'm just making people aware of the situation.
I sent a replacement trophy to Bob from his SAAC winning car. It was something he asked about. So many people have helped out.
He's in a new house and putting his life back together. Even the thoughts and prayers are helpful.
Quote from: daltondavid on January 30, 2025, 04:55:06 PMPete you are a great Man!!
+1 - well done by you Pete! ;)
Fred
$ sent paypal had to have donna do it as it didnt work for me thanks for taking care of this pete.
Donation sent and Thank You Pete
Donation sent. Take care Bob.
Thanks for doing this Pete.
QSS
Super, thank you gentlemen.
I just saw a commercial for some organization soliciting donations. I am sure its all good, but I like the direct contact and knowing that its going directly to someone effected.
Bob is very appreciative and the photos are not getting any better as they dig through the ashes.
You all are the reason this forum is so great.
Imagine this is whats left of your house, your car.
😢
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