Concert held to raise money for LA wildfire survivors

Yahoo

29-01-2025

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Hundreds gathered at The Canyon in Agoura Hills for a benefit concert aimed at helping fire survivors, bringing together music, dancing, and community support.
"We've really seen a big outpouring from the community, as you can see—the place is packed! It's been wonderful, and we're just doing everything we can to give back," said Stephanie Wachs, director of outreach for the Get Together Foundation. She added that similar events take about three months to plan, while this was organized in just two weeks.
The LA-based nonprofit organized the Show of Helping Hands, uniting musicians to raise funds for those affected by the recent wildfires.
"We realized after talking to countless individuals that what people really need right now is money—they are starting over," Wachs said. "We specifically went through and hand-selected families who have young children at home, disabled children at home, families who have lost their schools, first homes—everything in their community, and often in places where fire insurance has been restrictive. We just wanted to make sure that was going directly into them." The nonprofit also selected small business employees who not only lost their homes but their incomes as well.
Proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and a private auction will also support the Guitar Center Music Foundation and the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighters Fund.
For many Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters in attendance, it was their first night off in 21 days.
"This is just an incredible outpouring of support from the local communities," said LAFD Captain Erik Scott.
Scott noted that the devastation was unprecedented.
"It's the largest natural disaster to hit LA, so the fact that so many people have come together tonight and have opened up their checkbooks and they're giving money not to the fire department—but to the people that need it the most—is just a beautiful example of human helping human," he said.
Attendees traveled from across the region to support the cause and enjoy the music.
"Happy to be here, happy to help the folks who need the help," said Barbara Eisley of Santa Barbara.
Gayle Wunsch of Studio City, a fire survivor herself, emphasized how much events like these mean to those who have lost everything.
"This is such an important cause to come out and really help all these fire victims, and I'm happy to be here—we survived a fire—we know it's tough for all of us," she said.
For more information on how to donate, click here. Those looking to learn more about the Get Together Foundation and how to help can also click here.