The Eagles donated $2.5 million to FireAid victims.
Yesterday Circling the News looked at eight of the grantees of the 42 that were identified as specific to Pacific Palisades, which were among those receiving $21 million. The four today are connected with L.A. County.
About $100 million was raised by a FireAid benefit concert, and Steve and Connie Ballmer also matched every pledge made during the broadcast, which generated support not only from people living in Southern California, but from across the world. Money was meant to help the victims with immediate and long-term recovery, including rebuilding the nearly 12,000 homes lost in the fire.
CTN reached out to L.A. Clippers Chief Communications Officer Chris Wallace (via the Annenberg Foundation) for more information about who had benefited from FireAid Concert. He was specifically asked about grants targeting Pacific Palisades victims.
Wallace responded “Out of respect for those still navigating loss and rebuilding, FireAid has kept proactive publicity around our efforts intentionally limited . . . .The FireAid grantmaking process was extensive and community informed. It involved local outreach, feedback from those directly affected, and collaboration with nonprofit organizations embedded in fire-impacted neighborhoods.”
No Palisades residents have received direct aid from the concert.
One resident wrote: “I believe that some of the disconnect is the misnomer that all Palisadians have financial resources and don’t need this AID money. This could not be further from the truth. The fact that only 30-50% of residents can afford to re-build says it all.
“And while it is a good thing that a highly reputable foundation like Annenberg offered to step in and oversee distribution of funds – an extremely challenging task that other disasters have shown can be highly problematic. The reality is the money was raised based on messaging that fire victims would benefit directly.”
Yesterday, eight “food” nonprofits were highlighted. Today CTN looks at four other grantees, all connected with L.A. County. Basically, the FireAid money goes to the County, which then gives it to those in need.
But like so much in the County, it would be good to have an accounting of how much FireAid money was given to each and how much actually went to victims. Wallace was asked about the amounts given to each nonprofit/government entity. If CTN receives those numbers, I will print them.
LA County Relief Fund: cash assistance homeowners and tenants.
According to the Website click here “In response to the devastating 2025 Los Angeles County Wildfires, the County has established the Los Angeles County Relief Fund. “This fund, supported by an initial $32.2 million in County funds, will provide direct financial relief to homeowners, tenants, workers, small business owners, and nonprofits most affected by the fires.”
LA Region Worker Relief Fund: cash assistance for displaced workers in the Palisades and beyond.
“The County and City of Los Angeles and partners have launched the new LA Region Worker Relief Fund that helps workers impacted financially by the windstorm and wildfires by providing cash assistance grants of $2,000.” click here.
LA Region Small Business Relief Fund: cash assistance for small businesses in the Palisades and beyond.
“The LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds provide direct financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the Windstorm and Wildfires of January 2025.”click here.
LA County Arts Fund: went to artists and arts nonprofits.
“The LA County Department of Arts and Culture is engaged a variety of wildfire response and recovery efforts to support artists, creatives, and cultural organizations as well as support arts and culture in the long-term recovery of our communities, including but not limited to support from FireAid. More details will be added as available.” click here.
Over the next few days, CTN will examine the remaining 29 nonprofits which include children/family/labor.
Why wouldn’t Chris Wallace be completely transparent on where the money and how much went? It doesn’t feel right?
From watching the concert, I had the impression money would be going directly to victims. I suppose it makes sense to have victims vetted to prevent fraud but it seems like these agencies benefitted at the expense of the fire victims.
The Booster Club at all three schools are not going to be able to raise money for years to pey for our students needs. We need cash fast. We need help and guidance.