After losing everything in the Eaton Fire that destroyed Altadena, California, an 83-year-old man declared he was prepared to rebuild and assist his neighbors.
“This is what’s unique about Altadena. We liked each other, because we see each other almost every day,” Walt Butler told. “So I can’t wait to get my place squared away and help others.”
Butler’s home, which he had lived in for sixty years, was destroyed in a fire that occurred last week in Altadena, which is known for its black community. Numerous fires broke out around the city of Los Angeles, resulting in the destruction of almost 14,000 acres, the deaths of sixteen people, and the destruction of seven thousand buildings.
A great number of individuals, including Butler, were compelled to evacuate their homes as embers and ash that were falling from the sky destroyed everything that was in its way.
He continued by saying, “Me getting away from the fire, it shouldn’t have happened.” This was in reference to his momentary escape.
Many people, including his four children, refer to Butler as “the heart and soul of Altadena and Pasadena” because of his dedication to the town over the years. This refers to Butler’s commitment to the community.
A longstanding resident of Altadena, the individual served as an assistant coach for the track and field team at Pasadena City College. During that time, the squad won three consecutive state titles, beginning in 1975 and continuing through 1977.
Within the community, he has assisted individuals who were experiencing homelessness, including children, elders, and others. He also ran a sporting goods company, and he stated that he began giving away shoes because he recalled having holes in his shoes when he was a child attending elementary school. Since then, he has continued to give out shoes.
Butler’s heartfelt narrative, which was initially disseminated throughout social media via “Make Big Talk,” is one that has struck a chord with a great number of people.
When questioned by Kalina Silverman, the founder of “Make Big Talk,” what he loved and lost in the fire, Butler responded that he “lost everything,” but that he is thankful to still have “my health and my life.”
He sobbed as he remarked, “From a guy with everything, to nothing,” in the video from January 10. “I’ve helped people my entire life. It happened to me, even though I didn’t expect it to. However, I still have my life and my health.
A GoFundMe for Butler, launched by his kids, exploded in donations when the social media video went viral, raising over $900,000.
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Butler’s children later posted on GoFundMe saying their father was “in tears and disbelief of the support.” They said that Butler intends to keep supporting Altadena, his beloved home.
“We appreciate every phone call, prayer and donation to WB. It has been a tremendous source of comfort and strength,” Butler’s children stated. “We remain committed to raising awareness about other families in need within the community, hoping others may be blessed and inspired to continue their meaningful work within the Pasadena/Altadena Community.”
