Who We Are
Disaster Relief, the Topanga Way.
Creative. Connected. Community-led — and powered by your support.
Our Origin
On January 7th, 2025, wildfires swept toward Topanga Canyon, sparking an entirely new kind of response. What began as a simple donation hub in a Starbucks parking lot quickly grew into something unprecedented — a coordinated, community-led relief effort powered by local volunteers, local businesses, existing orgs, brands big and small, the Hollywood Teamsters 399, and neighbors determined to help their fellow impacted residents during a time of trauma and pain.
In the thick of that moment, Topanga REACH — Relief, Emergency-Aid, & Community Help — was born. Founded by three dedicated women and a growing network of volunteers, REACH was created to offer not just immediate disaster relief, but to help build something more lasting: community resilience.
Topanga REACH is a newly formed, people-powered initiative, operating as a project under the Foundation for Human Potential, a fully compliant 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a platinum rating from Guidestar. While we work toward securing our own tax-exempt status, this partnership allows us to act now — with integrity, transparency, and heart.
Today, Topanga REACH is entirely volunteer-led. Every effort — from distributing meals to coordinating emergency supplies — is driven by local hands and a shared commitment to care for one another. We work alongside first responders, residents, and partner organizations to meet urgent needs, support displaced neighbors, and strengthen our canyon’s capacity to recover and rebuild — together.
Meet Candice
President & Co-Founder
Candice Belton is a seasoned operations professional with over a decade of experience managing large-scale events and community-driven initiatives. As an avid volunteer in Topanga, her dedication to service is well known and appreciated. She brings sharp logistical insight, strategic coordination, and strong leadership that inspires trust and action.
Meet Ashley
Vice President & Co-Founder
Ashley DeLuis is a strategic brand consultant and creative force with expertise in marketing, storytelling, and live events. She also serves in the Topanga Enrichment Program, supporting meaningful educational initiatives for local youth. A mother, advocate, and natural organizer, Ashley is known for her ability to connect people, purpose, and action.
Meet Cody
Director of Strategic Engagement
Cody Cassano is a Senior Producer specializing in live events and branded content across music, lifestyle, and sports. With roots in entertainment and an eye for detail, she thrives on bringing ambitious ideas to life—on stage, on screen, and sometimes in the thick of a wildfire. Her work sits at the intersection of creativity and coordination, turning vision into reality under any circumstance.
Who WE ARE:
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the heart of Topanga REACH. Each one brings generosity, empathy, and a deep sense of community—many having faced hardship themselves. Their spirit and selflessness are what make this work possible. They are, simply, the best of us.
WHO WE ARE:
PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships are the backbone of Topanga REACH. From the very beginning, they’ve been our lifeline—supporting structure, scaling our impact, and helping us grow into the community-led force we are today.
WHO WE ARE:
DONORS
Donors play a vital role in the story of Topanga REACH. Their support brought help and comfort during the disaster, healing & assistance during our rebuild and ensures the community is better prepared for whatever comes next.