As devastating wildfires continue to ravage southern California, leaving a trail of lost lives, destroyed homes and displaced residents in their wake, Hollywood’s biggest stars are stepping up to provide vital relief to those most impacted. In an inspiring display of generosity and community support, celebrities, athletes and business executives have collectively donated millions to various fire-relief organizations and personally volunteered at evacuation centers.
The LA-area fires, which ignited early last week, have so far claimed at least 24 lives, forced thousands to flee their homes, and incinerated over 12,000 structures. Two of the largest infernos – the Palisades and Eaton fires – have scorched nearly 40,000 acres combined and remain only partially contained. As the region reels from the widespread destruction, high-profile figures are digging deep to bolster frontline workers and help affected families get back on their feet.
Beyoncé Leads Charge with $2.5 Million Donation
Superstar singer Beyoncé made a staggering $2.5 million contribution to the newly established LA Fire Relief Fund through her BeyGood charitable foundation. Earmarked for families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes as well as local churches and community centers, Beyoncé’s donation aims to address the immediate needs of those hit hardest by the disaster.
The wildfires were devastating for so many people who lost cherished memories and hard-earned belongings.
– Eva Longoria
Actress Eva Longoria also opened her heart and wallet, pledging $50,000 to This Is About Humanity to aid frontline workers and displaced families. Calling the fires “devastating for so many people,” Longoria and her family not only safely evacuated their own home but took in friends uprooted from other impacted areas.
Royal Couple Serves Food to Evacuees
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise appearance Friday at a Pasadena evacuation center and food bank. The compassionate royal couple served meals and spoke with locals and emergency responders. On the same day, actress Jennifer Garner volunteered with World Central Kitchen and chef José Andrés to feed hungry firefighters and evacuees at an Altadena Jack in the Box.
Jamie Lee Curtis Pledges $1 Million Through Tears
A tearful Jamie Lee Curtis, whose own Pacific Palisades neighborhood was ravaged by flames, announced her family would donate $1 million to relief efforts. Fighting back emotion on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Curtis described the surreal experience:
Where I live is on fire right now, literally the entire city of Pacific Palisades is on fire. Everything – the market I shop in, the schools my kids go to…many, many friends now have lost their homes.
– Jamie Lee Curtis
Corporate Giving Aids Recovery
Major companies have also stepped up with substantial contributions. Both Netflix and Comcast NBCUniversal pledged $10 million each to various organizations supporting fire victims. Sports franchises are pitching in too, with twelve LA professional teams collectively donating over $8 million to groups like the American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
How You Can Help California Wildfire Victims
If you’d like to join the stars in supporting California families and businesses impacted by these devastating fires, consider these ways to help:
- Donate to verified fundraisers like those organized by Beyoncé’s BeyGood foundation or the Comcast/Netflix corporate pledges
- Contribute to relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation or Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
- Support local families directly through the hundreds of GoFundMe campaigns set up to help residents who lost homes and belongings
- Volunteer your time to distribute meals and necessities at evacuation centers if you live in a safe, unaffected area
As California begins the long road to recovery, the outpouring of support from celebrities and everyday citizens alike proves the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Together, we can lift up those who’ve lost so much and help our neighbors rebuild their lives from the ashes of tragedy. Every donation, no matter the size, fuels the flames of hope and healing.
