SEARCH Foundation Supporting Event Profs During LA Wildfires
As we all know, the Los Angeles area is facing unimaginable devastation as wildfires sweep through communities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. With many thousands of structures damaged or destroyed and dozens of lives tragically lost, experts believe this disaster could become the costliest wildfire in U.S. history. As always, the event industry, deeply rooted in Los Angeles, has shown its resilience, empathy, and readiness to help.
Among the shining examples of this support is the SEARCH Foundation, a nonprofit that has been a lifeline for event professionals in crisis since its founding in 1997. Whether aiding individuals affected by illness, accidents, or catastrophic events, SEARCH is there when life takes an unexpected turn. Now, as wildfires ravage Los Angeles, this organization is stepping up to assist those in the industry who have been impacted.
Immediate Action for Immediate Relief
As soon as the wildfires began, SEARCH activated its crisis relief efforts. According to Chairperson Kate Patay, the organization deployed a specialized committee to assess needs, identify resources, and turn applications around within 24 hours. From helping evacuees find shelter to connecting them with funding resources, SEARCH is doing the heavy lifting so that event professionals can focus on rebuilding their lives. The foundation also provides vital tools like a curated list of local resources, government aid options, and even guidance on caring for large animals displaced by the fires.
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
As Patay emphasizes, the most impactful way to help right now is through financial contributions. Many event professionals need immediate support to cover basic needs like food and shelter while awaiting insurance claims. Whether you make a one-time donation or join the flagship SEARCH 100 donor program (committing $100 per month), every dollar makes a difference. For those outside the affected area, sending goods isn’t always the best approach during active crises. Instead, financial donations ensure that aid gets to where it’s needed most, without adding logistical challenges.
The Origins of Compassion
The SEARCH Foundation’s roots are deeply intertwined with the event industry’s culture of care. Born out of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1990s, it began as a grassroots effort to support peers in crisis. Today, it stands as the only crisis-focused organization serving the events community - a role it fulfills with unwavering dedication.
Why SEARCH Matters More Than Ever
Disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires remind us of life’s fragility and the importance of community. The SEARCH Foundation is a beacon of hope for those in the event industry, ensuring that no one faces hardship alone. As crises continue to unfold, from natural disasters to personal tragedies, SEARCH remains steadfast in its mission.
For anyone in the event industry, or for those simply moved by the power of community, now is the time to act. Join us in donating to the SEARCH Foundation and show your support for the professionals who bring some of our most memorable moments to life. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope.
