Dance Teacher Lost Everything To The California Fires But Didn't Miss Class
When Reesa Pertida, a dance teacher from Southern California, left her home, she knew it was for the last time. Reesa lost everything to the California Fires raging through her neighborhood, but that didn’t stop her from teaching her dance students that very same day. The dance class that students use as their safe haven, has now become the teacher’s place of refuge during her own time of loss.
Reesa knew that she would probably lose everything when she and her husband evacuated. But there was no time to stop and think of all the memories she was having to leave behind, like her wedding dress and the Christmas decorations given to her by her Grandma. In order to cope with the overwhelming loss, Reesa poured her heart and soul into her dance class.
"I told them," Pertida stated, "'Guys, I'm totally distracted. I didn't sleep at all. I evacuated in the middle of the night, and I wanted to come dance with you.'"
Ms. Pertida’s loyalty to her students helped inspire them to round up support when she needed it most. The relationships forged in this high school class have developed throughout the years and these kids hold their teacher in high regard. Seeing her hurting moved them to help.
“Even the day that she was evacuated at 2 a.m. in the morning, she came to school and told us, ‘hey, I’m here to dance with you, because what good is it gonna do for me to just sit at an evacuation center and watch the news? I’m here for you guys to dance,’” Brandon Large recalled.
Knowing the wanted to bless their teacher, students Elizabeth Talledo, Chelsea Saldana, Madison Opalisky and Brandon Large, joined together and raised $500 but then realized they wanted to do more. Together, they started a GoFund Me page with a goal of $5000 and with such a great response have moved the goal to $15,000. So far, they have raised over $10,000 to help their beloved teacher!
Reesa is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from her students and the community. “It’s so nice,” she said. “I felt so loved. That makes up for all the pain and sadness.”
We pray for those who are affected by the California fires. Please keep them all in your prayers too as they face this devastating experience.