At the start of the new year, on Jan. 7, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted in Pacific Palisades in California and spread across the Los Angeles area. The series of fires includes The Palisades fire and The Eaton fire. While the initial fires were being extinguished, additional fires broke out. Between the prior and recent fires emerged they scorched over 12,000 acres of land. As a result, more than 200,000 people were under evacuation orders, insured losses exceeded $20 billion and total economic losses reached $50 billion. To provide help for the extensive cost, Joel Gallen and Rick Krim served as executive and talent producers to lead a monumental event. A benefit concert was put together to raise money to rebuild communities who have been devastated by wildfires.
“I wasn’t aware that the concert had happened, but hearing about it now I think it’s a very impactful and helpful event,” Maura Mcgrath ‘27 said.
The concert was put into action on Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum. In attendance to perform were Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, P!nk, Stevie Nicks, Tate McRae and a handful of others who donated their time and effort to help provide.
“I have heard about the concert and I think its really cool how they brought all of these performers together,” Peyton Podracky ‘26 said.
The concert not only raised awareness but also an estimated $100 million, which was matched by L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie.
“I think the concert was a very successful event and will help benefit the cost of rebuilding the california community,” Sydney Funk ‘27 said
The concert was streamed across 28 platforms with a total of 50 million viewers. The concert was not advertised in advance around the world to prevent the chaos and traffic of people travelling to California to support the event.
