A nonprofit backed by Hollywood power players is stepping up to help firefighters, first responders and communities affected by the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation, which counts Sherry Lansing as a director and CAA’s Chris Silbermann as board chair, has activated a program that will funnel public donations to frontline workers and displaced families and pets. The EIF last administered a fund for the 2023 Maui fires, alongside Orpah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson.
“Our hearts go out to all who have lost their homes and those who are uncertain what the days ahead will hold,” said EIF President and CEO Nicole Sexton. “There is an urgent need to provide shelter, food and water, medical care for individuals and families, as well as care for pets that have been displaced.”
The initiative, called “Defy: Disaster,” is sponsored by City National Bank. In Maui, the fund supported those who lost homes in the tragic fires in Lahaina and Kula by delivering $60 million directly to residents’ bank accounts in six months. In 2020, EIF and its philanthropic partners supporting disaster response granted over $14 million to more than 100 organizations.
Following the deadly Camp and Woolsey Fires in 2018, EIF directed more than $2 million to first responders across California, as well as other organizations that provide long-term aid to survivors.
More to come …
Leave a Reply