Event Planners Unite to Support Peers Affected by California Fires

Last edited: January 17 at 6:06 a.m. ET

Grassroots initiatives as well as industry networks and associations, are doing their part to help those impacted by the California fires, event planners included.

Kate Patay, chairperson of the SEARCH Foundation, an organization that assists meeting, event, and catering professionals during crises, has been inundated with texts from event professionals sending pictures of their former homes, now charred remains. “It’s devastating,” she said. 

The SEARCH Foundation’s home page has been updated with wildfire-specific resources. 

“Part of the responsibility of the crisis relief committee is to activate a sub-committee as soon as we hear of a natural disaster and start identifying and vetting additional resources,” said Patay. “Sadly, it's not always easy, especially amidst your own personal crisis, to have the presence and time to click through some pages that have over a dozen sub-pages until you even find the application, so our team takes the time to find all of the actual forms.”

Patay said that the best way to help is to donate. “Whether a one-time donation or joining our flagship donor program, 100% of the proceeds go directly into the crisis relief fund. The funds we raise from our industry go directly back into our industry,” she said.

Industry Associations Offer Support

Destinations International has launched the Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Fund to support communities impacted by the devastating wildfires. The Destinations International Foundation has donated $10,000, and Destinations International matched this donation with a contribution of $10,000. 

“We work in an industry where when one community is suffering, we all suffer. More importantly, we work in an industry where we come together to help when our friends and colleagues are in need,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International.

In addition, Visit Baltimore, Visit Greater Palm Springs, IMEX, Visit West Hollywood, Visit Anaheim, Visit Newport Beach, and Hunden Partners: $10,000 have each donated $10,000. Longwoods International, Meet Boston and Visit Seattle have committed $5,000 each to kickstart this relief effort.

The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board will match all donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000.

To make a donation to the Destinations International LA Wildlife Recovery Fund, please click here.

Meeting Professionals International offers the MPI Foundation's Natural Disaster and Hardship Relief Fund to members, which covers six months of membership at no cost, with an additional six months funded by the MPI Foundation.

Supplies from CES on the Way

Meredith Heller, co-founder of Prospect Events, was attending CES in Las Vegas when the fires broke out. She lives in Los Angeles, bordering the Palisades Fire. Skift Meetings spoke to Heller as she was driving back to LA.

“According to my neighbor, my place is standing,” she said. “My sister texted me on Tuesday about the winds and then the fires started. It has been so scary and anxiety-inducing.”

Seeing all the non-perishable food items her CES client had for those they were meeting with gave her the idea of the collection. The client agreed to donate the leftover items and she put out a call on LinkedIn and was overwhelmed by the response. Her car was overflowing with drinks and snacks to be donated in LA.

Skift Meetings also spoke with Sepideh Evazi, director of global accounts at Elevated Meeting Solutions, who was also working at CES. She lives in front of Griffith Park, an area heavily impacted. She filled her car with baby food, diapers, bottled water, and more that she bought in Las Vegas and donated.

She first had to check her home and gather her passport and other valuables as, according to her neighbors, there was no Internet or power, and the water supply was very low. She was not quite sure where she will sleep but planed to hand out food to firefighters once she got back to LA.

“I just need to get there and see what is needed,” she said. “No matter how big or how small, we can all make a difference.”

More Ways to Help Those Impacted by California Fires

Industry professionals looking to support recovery efforts can contribute in several ways. Charity Navigator is a useful site that vets charities. Its Where to Give Now lists empower donors to make confident, impactful contributions during times of crisis.

It has a list of highly-rated organizations responding to the disaster.

"When giving in response to a disaster, consider both immediate relief — such as food, water, and shelter provided by large-scale organizations — and long-term recovery efforts that focus on rebuilding and addressing community-specific needs," said Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator CEO.

"Consider what aspect of recovery matters most to you: Do you want to help clear debris? Support children or animals affected by the disaster? Strengthen the community’s long-term resilience? Once you’ve identified your focus, look for an organization specializing in that work," said Thatcher.

In addition, to avoid scams, verify a charity’s legitimacy by checking its 501(c)(3) status, EIN, and track record on Charity Navigator or IRS.gov.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is working with its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and health services. 

​​California Fire Foundation

Provides immediate assistance to victims through programs like supplying disaster relief cash cards to those impacted.

California Community Fund

Has a recovery fund dedicated to helping victims of the fire. 

Moira Hearn Fund

Administered through the SITE  Foundation, this fund offers financial assistance to SITE members in need. 

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.