Grassroots initiatives and industry networks are doing their part to help those affected by California’s fires, including event planners.
Kate Patay, president of the SEARCH Foundation, an organization that helps meeting, event and catering professionals during the crisis, has been flooded with text messages from event professionals sending photos of their former homes. The photos, which are now charred. “It’s devastating,” she said.
The SEARCH Foundation’s homepage has been updated to include wildfire-specific resources.
“Part of the Crisis Relief Committee’s role is to immediately activate a subcommittee as soon as we hear of a natural disaster and begin identifying and reviewing additional resources,” Patey said. “Unfortunately, it takes time to make the time and have the time to click. Some contain more than a dozen sub-pages until you find the application, which is not always easy, especially if you are facing a personal crisis, so our team takes the time to find all the practical forms.
Partey said the best way to help is to donate. “Whether you make a one-time donation or join our flagship giving program, 100 percent of proceeds go directly to the Crisis Relief Fund. The money we raise from industry goes directly back into our industry,” she said.
CES supplies are on the way
Meredith Heller, co-founder of Prospect Events, was attending CES in Las Vegas when the fire broke out. She lives in Los Angeles, next to the Palisades Fire. Skift Meetings spoke with Heller as she drove back to Los Angeles.
“According to my neighbors, my location is fixed,” she said. “On Tuesday, my sister texted me about the wind and then the fire started. It was so scary and anxious.
She came up with the idea for the series after seeing all the non-perishable food items her CES clients were serving to the people they met. The customer agreed to donate the remaining items, she placed a call on LinkedIn and was overwhelmed by the response. Her car is now filled with drinks and snacks that she will donate when she returns to Los Angeles.
Sepideh Evazi fills her car with donated supplies for people displaced by fires in California after CES in Las Vegas.
Skift Meetings also spoke with Sepideh Evazi, Global Account Director at Elevated Meeting Solutions, who also works at CES. She lives in front of Griffith Park, a hard-hit area. She filled her car with baby food, diapers, bottled water and other items she bought in Las Vegas and planned to donate.
She first had to check her home and collect her passport and other valuables because, according to her neighbors, there was no internet or electricity and the water supply was very low. She’s not sure where she’ll sleep, but plans to hand out food to firefighters when she returns to Los Angeles.
“I just have to go out there and see what’s needed,” she said. “No matter how big or small, we can make a difference.”
How to help people affected by California fires
Industry professionals who wish to support recovery efforts can contribute in a number of ways. Charity Navigator is a useful website for reviewing charities. Its “Where to Give Now” list empowers donors to make confident, impactful contributions during times of crisis.
It has a list of highly rated organizations that respond to disasters.
“When responding to a disaster, it is important to consider both immediate relief (such as food, water and shelter provided by large organizations) and longer-term recovery efforts focused on rebuilding and meeting the specific needs of the community,” said Michael Thatcher. CEO of Charity Navigator.
Consider which aspect of recovery is most important to you: Do you want help clearing away the debris? Support a child or animal affected by a disaster? Strengthening the long-term resilience of communities? Once you’ve identified your focus, Find an organization that specializes in that work, Thatcher said.
Additionally, to avoid scams, verify the legitimacy of the charity by checking its 501(c)(3) status, EIN, and tracking records on Charity Navigator or IRS.gov.
The American Red Cross is working with its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and medical services.
Provide immediate assistance to victims through programs such as providing disaster relief cash cards to those affected.
Has a recovery fund dedicated to helping fire victims.
This fund is administered through the SITE Foundation and provides financial assistance to SITE members in need.
World Central Kitchen’s Rescue Team in Southern California Supporting First Responders and Families Impacted by Wildfires in the Los Angeles Area
