Palisades, Eaton Fire communities rebound; raise funds, spirits with basketball matchup

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif (KABC) -- Two communities ravaged by fire came together on the basketball court with a game that raised funds and, more importantly, spirits for their recovery.

"I think an event like this brings us together and makes us stronger," said Matin Farhangnia, a Palisades High School basketball player.

A fundraiser - complete with baked goods, donations, and lots of raffle prizes - bringing together two fire torn communities at a basketball game.

"For the boys to be able to come together and compete against one another but know that they are playing for something bigger than themselves is really pretty awesome," said Andrew Burghdorf, Chief Operating Officer at St. Francis High School.

Farhangnia and players from both St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge and Palisades High School lost homes in the Palisades and Eaton fires.

"It's one of those things that you don't think is going to happen to you and then it starts getting realer and realer," said Farhangnia.

Both communities raised more than $7,000 with the proceeds split between Palisades and Eaton fire victims.

"All of this is going to support the families that were impacted by the fires," said Burghdorf.

St. Francis took the win, but for the players, this basketball game meant more than just the outcome.

"This was great. Seeing both communities impacted by the fires come together. It's great to come out here, it's a great distraction from everything going on and playing basketball has really helped me get back to normalcy during this time," said Farhangnia. "I think this event was great."