Restaurateur Turns Tragedy into Hope After LA Wildfires
Marissa Hermer, a restaurateur, is feeding families in need after losing her business in the LA wildfires, showing resilience and community spirit.
Marissa Hermer, Los Angeles, Wildfires, Food Delivery, Community Support
Los Angeles: If there’s one thing Marissa Hermer knows how to do, it’s feed people.
The restaurateur and former “Ladies of London” star is among the thousands affected by the devastating wildfires ravaging the Greater Los Angeles area. After evacuating from her Pacific Palisades home, she’s now giving back to the community she’s called home for a decade.
Marissa shared her experience of fleeing her home, saying she and her ex-husband had to grab whatever they could carry. She wore all her jewelry and packed bags, walking about a mile to safety. It was a chaotic moment, and there was no time to plan.
In the wake of losing her popular French brasserie, The Draycott, she quickly launched a food delivery service called “YOU GIVE. WE COOK. THEY EAT.” It’s amazing how she turned her tragedy into action in less than 24 hours.
As she drove her kids and dogs to a hotel, she thought about dinner. She realized many families in LA were facing the same dilemma, especially those without kitchens. That’s when she decided to help.
Marissa opened the kitchens at her other restaurants, Chez Mia and Olivetta, to prepare warm meals for families, firefighters, shelters, and hospital workers. She knows how to cook, and she wanted to make a difference.
So far, she’s raised enough money to feed 250 families of four. This initiative started during the COVID pandemic, and anyone can donate by texting “DINNER” to 707070.
On her Instagram, displaced families can comment “family” for a free meal, while others can nominate families in need or volunteer to deliver food. It’s a great way to connect and support each other.
Marissa understands that asking for help can be tough. She encourages people to reach out if they know someone who needs a meal. The program relies on volunteers to deliver food to those in need.
She reflects on the pandemic, saying community is more than just local businesses; it’s about togetherness and connection. It’s heartwarming to see how people come together in tough times.
But it’s not just her restaurant that she lost; her children’s school is gone, and she’s unsure if she has a home to return to. Despite everything, she’s focused on giving back.
“I am alive. I’m surviving. It comes in waves,” she says. “The devastation is enormous, but there’s hope. We can band together and help each other.”
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.