‘Fab Four’ Found Palisades Forever

Childhood Palisades Friends Create Nonprofit Focused on Restoration Efforts

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Turning tragedy into triumph is the mission of four Palisadians who are committed to rebuilding the community they grew up in and hold dear.

In the aftermath of the Palisades fire that devastated the town they call home, brothers Spencer and Justin Howard have teamed with twins Will and Haley Holbrow to found Palisades Forever, an organization that is solely devoted to the restoration and revitalization of the public spaces, businesses, schools, landmarks and recreational areas that have made Pacific Palisades a special and singular place to live.

Upon seeing so many local restaurants, stores and homes burned down in the blaze that started January 7, these childhood friends immediately came together to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to making every donation and purchase count. Partnering with trusted community groups and other nonprofits, they have already raised well over $100,000, and 100% of the proceeds go back to the community.

“Pacific Palisades needs your help,” read the Palisades Forever website. “In the wake of devastating fires, countless families have been displaced, and many of our cherished landmarks, schools and businesses have been destroyed. The task will be monumental, requiring leadership, vision and stamina. As lifelong residents of the Palisades, we want our community back.”

The Howard brothers and Holbrow siblings were born and raised in the Alphabet Streets. Spencer and Justin attended Palisades Charter Elementary, Paul Revere Charter Middle and Palisades Charter High schools (graduating in 2017 and 2019, respectively) while twins Haley and Will also attended Pali Elementary and Pali High (both graduating in 2017).

“As we watched our town and homes go up in flames on live TV, the four of us and other close friends sat in awe, unable to comprehend the reality of what was taking place,” Justin recalled. “It was a mix of shock, sadness and utter disbelief that just a few hours ago, the Palisades stood in all its beauty and it was now unrecognizable.”

Justin said that “pretty immediately” after the fire started, the four friends felt a responsibility to help the community that had given them “so much.”

“I remember vividly FaceTiming my brother and Will, and strategizing about how to get the right materials, shovels and hard hats to go fix the Palisades ourselves, eager, if not desperate, to reverse the hand that had been dealt,” Justin continued. “As mid-20-year-olds who all moved away for college, we gained a heightened perspective of how special the Palisades is. When we’d come back for the holidays or college break, we soaked it all in—the utopia that is the Palisades— recognizing how lucky we were to play PPBA on the Field of Dreams or bike ride around town with our friends at the age of 10 or take our dogs on long walks to sweeping views of the ocean.

“We don’t take it for granted and recognize the role it played in our life, and I think that’s why we felt so compelled to play our part in the restoration and recovery.”

Justin, who helped Pali High capture three City Section boys volleyball championships before going on to play middle blocker at Ohio State, stressed how important it was to take swift action.

“Too distracted to work and each feeling helpless in the days following the fire, we all channeled the mix of emotions in dealing with the loss of our childhood homes, town and community into working tirelessly to build Palisades Forever,” he said. “Recognizing that the media attention and fundraising would be at all-time highs closest to the fires, we wanted to capitalize on that attention as soon as we could. We built a website, sourced manufacturers for our apparel, registered for nonprofit status and launched all within five days of the fire. For the four of us, pouring our time and energy into a cause like this does not feel like a job but more of a responsibility that energizes and excites us.”

Haley, who went to Northeastern University and lives in New York City, reiterated the main goal of Palisades Forever.

“Simple: Support the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades,” Haley described. “We feel incredibly lucky to call the Palisades home, and we’re committed to bringing it back even stronger than before so that kids and families for generations to come can experience the same joys of growing up in such a special place that we did.”

She elaborated on the strategy she and her co-founders have adopted.

“By partnering with trusted community groups and mission-aligned nonprofits, we’re focused on funding critical efforts that fall outside city and state budgets, ensuring the recovery goes further and the Palisades returns stronger than ever,” Haley said.

Will and Spencer are currently roommates in Chicago. Will, who attended the University of Michigan, stressed the importance of collaborating with other entities.

“As we continue to move from devastation to restoration, we’re committed to working hand in hand with local schools, community leaders and the institutions that make the Palisades feel like home,” he said. “Every dollar we’ve raised is directed toward projects that’ll have a lasting, meaningful impact—whether that’s rebuilding damaged infrastructure or restoring the places we love. We’re currently in early conversations with local schools, recreational centers and other Palisades-based nonprofits that share our mission. While we continue to gather input and assess where our funds can have the greatest impact, we’re focused on building partnerships that lead to meaningful, community-driven outcomes.”

Palisades Forever products range in size from small to XXL and include Hometown Hoodies (made of cotton/polyester and featuring a custom map of the Palisades, available in ivory, blue or pigment black); Hometown T-shirts (available in white, navy or black); Palisades Forever Hoodies; Cleanup Crew Long Sleeve and Tees (black); and Palisades Forever Tees (white).

Spencer, who played in AYSO Region 69 and captained the Pali High soccer team his senior year, noted the many ways people can support.

“You can donate directly or purchase custom Palisades apparel with profits going directly to recovery efforts—all through our website,” he said. “You can also support by participating in local community events, and helping share and amplify our mission. As the devastation from the wildfires fades from the news cycle, recovery efforts are just getting started.”

The zeal and creativity of this “Fab Four” assured that new apparel and community events are already in the works.

“As we look ahead to the next six to 12 months, our goal is to help catalyze restoration and recovery efforts by partnering closely with the community and its leaders,” Spencer said. “We aim to raise continued awareness of the ongoing needs here in the Palisades, both in the community and among those outside who are eager to support. We’re excited to build on the momentum we’ve created and remain a trusted resource for those looking to make a difference. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved.”

For more information, visit palisadesforever.com or instagram.com/palisades_forever.