Special to the Sun
The Kern Valley is known for its generous spirit. Friends and neighbors come to each other’s aid when they’re in need.
That spirit soared again last Saturday, as more than 250 people rallied at the Mazziotti Family Fundraiser at Riverside Park in Kernville. Most folks came to enjoy the beautiful summer day and do something positive for “one of our own.”
 Hungry crowds fill their plates with a mouth-watering tri-tip barbeque beef, corn on the cob, salad and other refreshing goodies Saturday afternoon at the Mazziotti Family Fundraiser at Riverside Park in Kernville. |
The families said they were incredibly touched by the outpouring of support – topping $6,000 – received at the event.
Mike and Theresa Mazziotti moved to Riverkern a few years ago when Mike’s dad was battling cancer. Mike took an early retirement in Los Angeles, and he and Theresa relocated to the tiny town by the river to take care of his father in his last days.
Shortly after moving to Riverkern, Theresa was diagnosed with RSD, a painful nerve disorder which requires specialized medical equipment in the home.
Mike’s father passed away last year. It was during this stress-filled time the home insurance payments were overlooked; their policy was canceled.
After the fire’s ashes settled, Mike and Theresa were left with nothing but their love for each other, their family, and the community. “When all of this went down, it would have been easy to walk away and start over somewhere else, but we couldn’t leave this great community with all of the great support they have shown us,” said Mike.
The day before the Bull Fire, the Mazziotti’s daughter, Breanna, had come for a surprise visit from her Los Angeles home, and was planning to leave Monday evening. Luckily, she was there when the family received the order to evacuate, and was able to help get her mother and the animals out of the house before it was demolished in the fire.
Mike’s father’s and aunt’s homes were also destroyed. Along with them – all of the family photos, heirlooms, antique collection, medical equipment and the every day items often taken for granted. Theresa is still awaiting replacements for the damaged medical equipment.
Ironically, the week before the fire Mike and Theresa cleared out their storage unit and put everything in a trailer that was subsequently leveled by the flames.
Members of the family say they are optimistic about the future. Breanna takes a philosophical approach to the loss of the family heirlooms, believing, “everything happens for a reason.”
“When I pulled up here (Riverside Park) today I couldn’t believe how many people there were. I’m in shock; I live in L.A. and people just don’t do this there,” said Breanna. “I feel happy and safe knowing that my parents are here with these wonderful people.”
Organizers put on quite a spread, with a tri-tip barbecue lunch, live music from Dos Guys, massages by Michelle Smith, and face painting for the kids by Denise Peters. The crowd enjoyed a wide variety of great prizes, and an auction of larger items that included two bicycles, a smoker barbecue, and many bottles of wine and spirits.
The event was organized by Mark Preston, owner of James Sierra Gateway Market, who had known Mike’s father, as a customer and a friend, for more than 25 years. Preston was quick to point out he did not put on the fundraiser alone, rather it took the help of more than 30 vendors and suppliers, as well as 35 community volunteers.
“Hearing what had happened (to the Mazziottis), it seemed so overwhelming and I just had to do something,” Preston explained. Everything, the raffle and auction items, as well as the food, was donated, he said.
The grand total raised was $6,450, all going to the Mazziotti Fire Relief Fund at AltaOne Credit Union. Theresa was quick to point out that money donated cannot be used for anything but building their home.
After the fire, the incredibly grateful Mazziottis stayed with friends Larry and Mary Joyner.
Until their rebuilding is completed, the couple is staying at the rental home of friend Amy Brooks. Cash donations to the Mazziotti Fire Relief Fund can be made at AltaOne Credit Union, and the Elks Club in Wofford Heights for goods donations. “We will be staying in the Kern Valley for the rest of our days,” said Theresa, “After the community has come together like this, we would never leave. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us through this difficult time; it really means the world to us.”
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