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Teen-led Build Back Pali raises more than $100,000 to help Pacific Palisades businesses
Summary
Three teenagers who lost homes in the Palisades fire formed Build Back Pali, raising over $100,000 in three months and launching a nonprofit to direct funds to local businesses damaged in the fire.
Three teenagers who grew up in Pacific Palisades told the City Council on May 9 that their grassroots nonprofit has raised more than $100,000 in just over three months to support local businesses damaged in the January Palisades fire.
Councilmember Traci Park introduced the students—Jake Yoon, Dylan Fulmer and Mason Cohen—during a presentation that described the group's work organizing fundraisers, securing sponsors, and fiscal sponsorship arrangements to ensure donations go directly to local businesses.
"We recognize that local businesses are the cornerstone for us to rebuild as best and as fast as possible," Jake Yoon said to the council. The students told the council the group has set up Build Back Pali as a 501(c)(3) and is partnering with legacy organizations for fiscal sponsorship to manage funds transparently.
Dylan Fulmer said the group plans summer fundraising events and has been featured by multiple local news outlets, noting the initiative's focus on preserving the community's small-town feel. Mason Cohen thanked Councilmember Park for leadership and said the group's priority is restoring storefronts that form the neighborhood's identity.
City recognition: Park presented certificates of appreciation to the students and described their effort as informing the city's planning for local recovery.
Why it matters: The students' effort is a community-led supplement to public and private recovery efforts after a wildfire, targeting small businesses that serve as neighborhood anchors and employ local residents.
