Earlier this year, Live Nation and AEG Presents organized Fire Aid, a two-venue benefit concert at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, to raise funds for those affected by the wildfires.
After weeks of devastation and the displacement of thousands throughout the county, Los Angeles is trying to rebuild through the efforts of many.
The star-studded event included performances at the Intuit Dome by Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo and Lady Gaga, while the Kia Forum included performances by Stevie Nicks, John Mayer, Alanis Morissette and many more artists.
In addition to bringing in monetary donations, benefit concerts utilize pop culture to generate awareness by shifting attention to the cause through digital platforms. Through social media, streaming platforms and television channels, viewers could learn more about the fires and where to donate.
“Contributions will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California,” the FireAid website stated.
American singer-songwriter Katy Perry performed many of her most popular songs including “California Gurls,” while she waved a California state flag.
“I’ve been so inspired by how quickly our community organized to help those in need. It reminds me people have the power,” Perry said during her performance.
Dashel Jeffords, a second-year theater major at Moorpark College, emphasized that benefit concerts also can be extremely healing.
“When people who are experiencing similar grief come together, there is a lot more empathy and understanding for each other’s situations,” Jeffords said.
Alyssa Mueller, a Moorpark College alum and a senior at the University of California, Los Angeles, added that social media is a great way to get people to care about different issues.
“A lot of times people will not donate to causes because they do not know what their money is going to, but social media is a good way to showcase what good the money will do,” Mueller stated.
Through apps like TikTok or Instagram, people can show the world their realities and struggles, as many people did showing their communities that were harmed during the fires.
Ken Pascual, a second-year theater major at Moorpark College, explained that social media gives so many benefits.
“Through social media, people have a platform to share what they are going through and ask for advice or help,” Pascual stated.
According to ABC News, the FireAid concert now has raised an estimated $100 million, with $50 million going towards community grants. The grants will go toward small businesses, families, children, students and schools around the area. There is now a promise of rebuilding and preventing these fires from being so harmful in the future.
There are currently many ways to help those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Donate by visiting the FireAid website or reach out to local non-profit organizations like the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and World Central Kitchen.
