Hope Stirs in the Ashes
The Story of How Baseballs are Bringing Hope
When wildfires tore through Southern California in January 2025, they left a trail of destruction and disarray. An accumulated 14 fires resulting from a trifecta of incendiary conditions—drought, heavy vegetation build up, and strong winds—burned roughly 57,636 acres and destroyed over 18,000 structures in only 24 days. Sources of water were scarce, schools closed down, and many transportation systems were not functioning. Eerie scenes remained. Driving through residential areas, one could see a single lonely chimney standing among ashes, while homes nearby were seemingly untouched.
Many families were displaced with their homes destroyed and their livelihoods only embers. In the aftermath of the fires, the cost of housing skyrocketed, and homelessness increased significantly. More than 50 people from the Anglican congregation Vintage Church Pasadena lost their homes and had to decide if they would try to stay and rebuild or move to other parts of the country.
Recovery after a fire is a slow process. Homes first must be “ashed-out” and cleared of chemical hazards before any new construction can begin. This process was compounded by the destruction of other community buildings, which would have hosted volunteers.
Early on after the fires, ARDF worked closely with the Diocese of Western Anglicans and C4SO to help provide initial supplies and personal protective equipment for what volunteers could be mustered. With a grant for a trailer through ARDF and the right hazard equipment, Vintage Pasadena set out to help the slow process of “ashing-out” over 350 homes in the next year—almost one home per day! The church has been present not only in the lives of their congregants but also in the entire neighborhood, demonstrating faithfulness and fortitude in the face of despair.
Baseballs?
For one couple, the sheer devastation moved them to action. They began to search for ways to support survivors and their families. The words in Matthew 6:19-21 lay heavy on their hearts:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Avid collectors of signed baseballs, the couple had spent years acquiring treasures signed by legends like Babe Ruth and Jimmy Foxx, yet what were these earthly treasures in relation to God’s heavenly ones? How could these baseballs continue their legacy like the players who signed them? That’s when they decided to step up to the plate with ARDF and let the impact of their collection spread. The couple decided to auction off 130 valuable baseballs from their collection and donate the proceeds to wildfire relief and recovery through ARDF.
One particular ball carried special meaning. Signed by Lou Gehrig, this baseball highlights a story of hope among hardship. Originally a tribute to Gehrig’s impact on the game and the lives of those battling the disease he died from—ALS—the baseball again spreads hope through its auction for the sake of those battling to recover from the fires. Each of the baseballs now carries not only the legacy of the player, but a legacy of hope for survivors of disaster and hardship.
An Even Greater Impact: Heritage Auction House
The baseballs were auctioned through Heritage Auction Housein 19 stages with proceeds supporting ARDF CA wildfire relief, and through their care, the impact of the baseballs went even further. Heritage Auction House waived its auctioneer's fee, giving themselves to join the legacy of hope and the work of recovery. Heritage has consistently prioritized and invested in non-profits and charitable causes for “social good” and partnered with charities such as the March of Dimes, John Wayne Cancer Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House. Their willingness to set aside profit from their work and benefit ARDF’s wildfire relief in California is nothing short of humbling.
Play Ball!
With this gift and other generous donations, ARDF raised over $120,000 for wildfire relief. In the past year, while the slow work of ash-outs occurred, ARDF has prepared to lead Disaster Response Mission Trips to the area to rebuild homes. These funds will allow ARDF to cover the construction costs of the home rebuilt by ARDF volunteers and also fund other outreach opportunities led by local Anglican churches, filling specific needs in the community after the fires.
The story of devastation has been huge, and the loss unimaginable. Yet the hope elicited by testimonies like that of Heritage Auction House and this couple is remarkable. They have surrendered their own “treasures” to continue God’s testimony and restore hope for those affected. Hope stirs in the ashes.
Hannah Salisbury
Hannah Salisbury is ARDF's Communications Assistant and joined the team in 2025. She is passionate about sharing the work of ARDF with others. Hannah has spent time working in ministry abroad, including South Korea, Zimbabwe, and Nicaragua, and values the importance of partnership. In her free time, Hannah can be found baking, hanging with friends, hiking, or hosting cookbook-club with her sister
