Samantha, Naiel Ammari’s daughter, evacuated from Calabasas during the devasting wildfires.
by Julie Uiterwijk
In early January, a series of devastating wildfires tore through the Los Angeles metro area, leaving destruction in their wake. The fires, which impacted multiple neighborhoods, resulted in at least 29 deaths, the destruction of over 16,000 structures, and dangerously unhealthy air quality affecting millions. As communities continue to recover from this disaster, businesses and organizations across California have stepped up to provide support.
One such business is Best RV Center, a family-operated dealership located in Turlock, Calif. Established in 1997 by Naiel Ammari and his brother Nazeh, Best RV Center has grown into one of the largest RV dealerships in the region. Situated on 20 acres along Route 99, the dealership boasts an impressive inventory of 1,700 RVs, offering a wide range of models to customers from across the state.
When the wildfires broke out in January, the devastation hit close to home for Naiel. His daughter Samantha, a graduate student at Pepperdine University, was among those affected. Living in Calabasas, she faced difficulties commuting to school due to road closures. With no water or internet access, she and other students found support from the American Red Cross, which provided shelter, clothing, water and essential supplies to those affected by the fires. Pepperdine University was forced to close temporarily, shifting classes online, and Samantha chose to leave the area and drive eight hours back home to Turlock.
Understanding the dire situation many fire victims faced, Naiel felt compelled to take action. “We’re part of this community, so I feel that we owe something to our state. Our customers come from Southern California all the way to Northern California. We felt that if we give something back to the community, the community will appreciate it,” he said.
To support wildfire victims, Best RV Center pledged to donate $100 to the Red Cross for every RV unit sold in January. By the end of the month, they had raised an impressive $18,000, which was presented to the Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter to aid in disaster relief efforts.
Naiel presented the Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter CEO, Felicia Woolfolk, with a check of the disaster funds raised during an interview with Studio 40.
Beyond financial contributions, Best RV Center also launched special programs to assist those affected by the fires. Recognizing the urgent need for temporary housing, they offered discounted pricing and free shipping on RVs for wildfire victims, providing them with much-needed shelter as they worked toward rebuilding their lives. This initiative mirrored their previous efforts to help those impacted by the Camp Fire in Paradise, which took place in Northern California in 2018.
The generosity of businesses like Best RV Center plays a crucial role in the Red Cross’s ability to provide aid to those in crisis. “It’s because of donors like Naiel that the Red Cross is able to fulfill our mission,” said Julia Bermudez, senior regional philanthropy partner at the Red Cross. “We could not do it without the support of our community.”
Looking ahead, Best RV Center is continuing its commitment to giving back. In May, the dealership is offering customers a discount and will again donate $100 from every RV sale to the Red Cross. “I’m hoping that the weather in May will bring people in because they’re thinking about a summer vacation,” Naiel explained.
For Naiel Ammari, this initiative is deeply personal. “My daughter was slightly affected, but I imagine what other people are going through and what they lost. This is what I can do to help. I wish I could do more.”
Through their financial contributions and housing solutions, Best RV Center has made a tangible difference for wildfire victims. Their generosity and dedication serve as a testament to the power of community support in times of crisis.
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