AARBF’s Board President, Dave Miller, joined the San Luis Obispo chapter of the King David’s Masonic Lodge for an evening event on March 17th. The masons donated $2,500 in support of AARBF’s mission to support burn survivors and their families and to provide burn prevention education. We are honored to partner with the Lodge.
AARBF once again joined the California Fire Symposium held annually in Fresno, CA, for their Cornhole tournament. AARBF’s Katrina and Erika were joined by volunteers Hydra and Chop Suey to promote essential partnerships between fire departments across the state and AARBF. Our teamwork brings together firefighters and volunteers in support of our prevention education and burn survivors in their communities. We thank the California Training Officers Association for their work in putting together the raffle and cornhole tournament and for supporting the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation with a donation of $16,426.
Over the weekend of March 20–23, we gathered at Pali Retreat in Running Springs, CA for our Women’s Empowerment Weekend, “Wild & Rooted,” bringing together female burn survivors ages 21 and older for a few days of connection, reflection, and growth.
Throughout the weekend, participants moved through a thoughtfully designed series of workshops centered on identity, healing, and personal growth. From grounding in our sense of wildness, to creative activities like the tree wall and Kintsugi, each space offered a different way to reflect and reconnect. Workshops like embracing your inner child, upside down, and post-traumatic growth opened the door for deeper conversations around healing, resilience, and growth. There was also space for joy and expression through music, dancing, and open mic, which brought a lot of laughter, vulnerability, and shared energy into the room.
We also made time for fun and stepping outside of our comfort zones. The group zip line was a highlight of the weekend and something many participants were really looking forward to as a fun and exciting part of the experience. While there were still some nerves, it quickly turned into a moment of encouragement, laughter, and cheering each other on. It was one of those experiences that really captured both the joy and strength of the group.
Throughout the weekend, there was also a shared sense of trusting the process and trusting the universe, allowing space for things to unfold in ways that felt meaningful for each person. Those moments of reflection, connection, and even uncertainty became part of the growth.
More than anything, this weekend was about the community. It was about showing up as you are, being seen, and being supported by others who truly understand the burn recovery journey. Across workshops, shared meals, and late-night conversations, meaningful connections were built that will last far beyond the weekend.
A big thank you to our Angel Flight pilots for helping make this experience possible and supporting our participants in getting to and from the weekend safely. We’re also so grateful to everyone who helped create this space and to the women who showed up fully and made the weekend what it was.
On Sunday, March 29th, 9 teams of Firefighters, law enforcement officers, elite runners, and athletes from around the Central Valley started at the Chukchansi Ballpark to take part in the 2026 Fresno Urban Run, which finished with the 10-story climb of the historic Grand Hotel in downtown Fresno. Since January, Fresno City College Fire Academy Class 65 and College of the Sequoias Fire Academy Class 21-45 have been raising funds alongside AARBF volunteer Pointdexter, totaling $17,219 for AARBF and Champ Camp.
Thank you to the dedicated cadets, Scott “Pointdexter” Mellon, the race team sponsor Johansons Transportation Services, and the California Classic Events team for hosting this annual run.
On Sunday, March 29, we were invited to be part of Wonder Valley’s Family Day, and it was such a special experience. Wonder Valley generously sponsored a new burn survivor family, covering their entry and tickets so they could fully enjoy the day at no cost and get a glimpse of what camp could look like for their camper.
There was so much to do, from the ropes course and zip line to go-carts, pony rides, archery, waterslides, swimming, and canoeing. It was a full day of fun, connection, and new experiences for the family.
We are so grateful for Wonder Valley’s continued partnership and support. Hosting events like this not only create meaningful moments for our families but also helps raise funds that make programs like Champ Camp possible.
Join us the first Thursday of each month for our virtual support group designed exclusively for caregivers, family members, friends, and loved one of burn survivors who are at any stage of the recovery journey. The group provides opportunities to share experiences, exchange support, and learn from others who have walked similar paths. Participants are welcome to share their experiences, listen, or take part in whatever way feels comfortable.
When: First Thursday of each month at 7:00PM Pacific
Access: Click here to register and attend the Zoom session
For questions, please contact our Southern CA Care Manager, Martha Banks at mbanks@aarbf.org.
The SoCal Golf Tournament is returning on May 5th. This extremely popular event sells out every year. Early registration will guarantee you will be a part of the fun.
When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Where: Black Gold Country Club, Yorba Linda, CA
Time: Check in Begins at 9:30 AM with the Shot Gun Start at 11:00 AM
Special thanks to Red Pointe Roofing for sponsoring this event.
Register today: https://myevent.com/aarbfgolf
AARBF is excited to announce a new partnership with Three off the Tee. On May 11th at the Temecula Creek in LA County, Firefighter Jake Raden will host the 1st annual Fairways for the Fallen Golf Tournament in support of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
When: Monday, May 11, 2026
Where: Temecula Creek Inn Golf Club
Time: 9 am registration, 10:30 Shot gun start, 3 pm Buffet
Giveaways, Raffles, Banquet and more for all golfers. You even have the chance to win a Tesla!
Contact Jake Raden at 661-478-2387 for more information.
Applications are open for the Woody and Louise Reed Bridge to Life Scholarship. This incredible program, made possible by the Reed family, awards scholarships to burn survivors or their immediate family members seeking post-secondary education after high school. This can be community college, college, university, or trade school and is open to all ages going directly into or returning to education.
Apply today at: https://forms.gle/bffj8qEcspGto69m7
For questions, please contact us at info@aarbf.org.
