A Monterey artist is turning handmade signs into fire relief for Big Sur.
Two Wolf Design will set up at Six Over Coffee and Company on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 160 Webster St. in Monterey. The artist will make custom hand-lettered signs on the spot, with all proceeds going to fire relief for the Big Sur community.
Suggested donations are $10 for a 5-by-7-inch sign and $15 for an 8-by-12-inch sign. Pre-made paper signs will also be available. A general donation box will be on hand for anyone who wants to contribute without buying a sign.
According to an Instagram post from Six Over Coffee, Two Wolf Design approached the coffee shop with the idea for the fundraiser. Two Wolf Design is a Monterey-based business specializing in graphic design, hand lettering, illustration and murals.
The fundraiser comes as two wildfires continue to burn across Big Sur. The Timber Fire started Aug. 9 and had burned about 25,380 acres as of Wednesday, Sept. 9, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune. It was 27% contained.
The Plaskett Fire started Aug. 27 and had burned about 29,885 acres. It was 61% contained. The two fires have scorched a combined 55,265 acres.
Highway 1 remains closed between mile marker 10.5, just north of Gorda, and Kirk Creek Campground at mile marker 19, according to Ready Monterey County. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for several zones. The cause of both fires is under investigation.
The fires have displaced residents and animals across the region. Carol Shadwell, who owns Ripplewood Resort on Highway 1 in the heart of Big Sur, told KAZU on Sept. 4 that she refused to leave the evacuation zone. Her grandparents bought the resort in the 1950s. "It's my home," Shadwell said. "I haven't left my home."
SPCA Monterey County is providing emergency rescue and sheltering for animals affected by the fires. Residents with horses, barn animals or livestock can call 831-373-2631 for help.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County has also activated its Monterey County Fire Relief Fund, waiving all administrative fees so 100% of donations go to grantmaking. Dan Baldwin, the foundation's president and CEO, said on Aug. 11 when the fund launched that the organization would make sure donations reach those affected in Big Sur. As of Aug. 27, the fund had granted $140,000, including $30,000 to Big Sur Health and $50,000 to the California Big Sur Fund.
Donations to the fire relief fund can be made through the Community Foundation for Monterey County, by mailing a check to 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940, or by calling 831-375-9712 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sept. 12 fundraiser at Six Over Coffee starts at 7 a.m.
