Music superstar Beyoncé announced on Sunday that she is donating $2.5 million to support families in recovery from the California wildfires.
Why It Matters
Los Angeles has been battling a series of devastating wildfires since last week. At least three blazes are currently active in the region as of Monday, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire).
The fires have left at least 24 people dead and more than 12,000 structures destroyed. According to California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, the fires are said to be one of the costliest disasters in recent U.S. history.
What To Know
Beyoncé shared news of her $2.5 million donation to assist families affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area in a Sunday post on Instagram. Through her foundation, BeyGOOD, the newly created LA Fire Relief Fund will provide resources to families who lost their homes in the Altadena and Pasadena regions.
Additionally, the fund aims to support churches and community centers addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents.
BeyGood Foundation
Founded in 2013, Beyoncé's BeyGOOD foundation concentrates on economic equity by "supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs," according to its mission statement.
News of the BeyGOOD donation comes a week after Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, revealed on Instagram that her Malibu bungalow was among the homes lost to the fires.
"It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred happy place. now it is gone," Tina Knowles wrote. "God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions."
Other Donations By Celebrities And Organizations
The Screen Actors Guild has also stepped in to help those impacted by the disaster, pledging $1 million to assist industry members.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry visited Pasadena on Friday, where they helped distribute food and water to those in need and thanked first responders for their efforts. They have also reportedly made monetary donations to relief efforts as well as donated clothing, children's items and other supplies.
According to Forbes, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who feared she'd lost her own Santa Monica home before confirming the structure was safe, has pledged to donate $1 million to wildfire relief.
The National Football League (NFL) will be selling team-specific Los Angeles Rams and Chargers hats and shirts to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation with 50 percent of the Rams 50/50 Raffle from Monday's game being donated to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Socialite and media personality Paris Hilton, whose home was destroyed by the Palisades fire, launched an emergency fund through her nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, and donated an initial $100,000, noting she would match additional donations up to another $100,000.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a recent statement: "We are moving rapidly to support state and local law enforcement and firefighters to respond to the Eaton Fire threatening Altadena and Pasadena as extremely critical fire weather continues in Southern California. To all those in the region, remain vigilant and listen to local authorities."
President Joe Biden said in a statement about the wildfires: "My Administration will do everything it can to support the response. I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials."
Animal shelter Pasadena Humane wrote in a message posted online Wednesday night: "Our biggest need right now is for monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires...We anticipate getting in even more animals who are in need of emergency medical care as the fires continue. If you are able to donate, please visit pasadenahumane.org/wildfirerelief."
What Happens Next
As the fires continue to ravage communities and fire crews are continuing to fight the wildfires, celebrities and organizations alike are continuing to rally to support recovery efforts.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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