Courtesy photo.
CENTRAL COAST — The Jack Johnson and Friends, a Benefit for the Community, concert has raised $200,000 for the United Way Thomas and Fire Flood Fund, with 100 percent of the donations going to support those in communities affected by the wildfires and flooding.
The inspiring, sold-out concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl on March 18 brought together Johnson, ALO, Ben Harper, David Crosby, Kenny Loggins, and other special guests for a memorable night of music in celebration of the strength and resilience of the community. In all, the concert raised more than $500,000, which will be distributed to the primary recipient, the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, as well as other local nonprofits working on relief and recovery efforts in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
“These foothills and coastline have always held a special place in my heart. Seeing so many people come together to help their neighbors has only emphasized the strength of this community,” said Johnson. “I am inspired by the incredible efforts of our first responders and local non-profit relief organizations. We’re so proud to have been able to bring people together for a healing night of music, and to give a big thank you to everyone who has stepped up to support recovery.”
The Fund has raised more than $4.4 million in generous community donations; 100 percent of these donations will go directly to affected individuals and families, as well as the organizations serving them. To date, over $3 million has been allocated from the Fund and additional distributions are forthcoming.
“This concert really showcased how support for this community has been pouring in from far and wide,” said Steve Ortiz, President & CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “We thank Jack Johnson, ALO, Ben Harper and their amazing fans for all they’ve done to bring us this special night.”
In response to the destructive flooding and loss of life following the Thomas Fire, United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County have reestablished their support effort as the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund.
Following the beginning of the Thomas Fire, local community partners determined that the United Way organizations, in both counties, are uniquely positioned and qualified to manage the disaster fund, accept contributions, make distributions, promote the fund and provide a report to the community on how the funds were used.
United Way of Ventura County: In the aftermath of a disaster, United Way’s Ventura County Volunteer Center will serve as an online, call, and walk-in center for spontaneous volunteers. The Volunteer Center will register volunteers and coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to place them where they can do the most good for the community. 2-1-1 Ventura County will also be available 24/7 to register volunteers, answer questions, and connect those in need with the resources to help them.
United Way of Santa Barbara County: United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local non-profit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families & seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health.