City of Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Ann Gordon, from left, Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin, Lompoc Fire Chief Brian Fallon, Santa Maria Police Chief Marc Schneider, CEO, Co-Founder & Chairman Kirsten Cavendish Weston Smith, COO, Co Founder & President Richard Weston Smith, CFO, Secretary & Co-Founder John Thyne III, Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Chris Mailes, Santa Maria Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, Guadalupe Police & Fire Chief Michael Cash. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its Annual Honorary Board Cocktail reception at the Montecito Club March 9 to officially announce First Responder grant recipients.
One805’s Honorary Board comprises predominantly of local community members who, by their membership, provide additional funding and support for the nonprofit’s critical counseling support and emergency equipment needs.
In September of last year, the organization hosted its One805Live! Fall Concert at Kevin Costner’s estate in Summerland with headliner Maroon 5 and special guests including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and many others. The event raised more than $800,000 to support Santa Barbara County first responders.
One805’s Advisory Council (see photo below and attached), which is made up of the heads of all 11 First Responder departments in Santa Barbara County, convenes periodically to discuss the allocation of funds. The Advisory Council ensures all funds raised by One805 are directed where they are most needed at any given time, regardless of the department. Many of the funds go toward equipment, mental health services and resources, and disaster preparedness.
To name just a few of the many ways in which these funds support local First Responders, including Santa Maria and Lompoc, the funds raised have supported first responder counseling programs, the purchase of FirePro300 Seek Thermals, dive equipment, and Search and Rescue equipment. A comprehensive list of all grants will be available following the event.
About One805 In the aftermath of the Thomas fire and subsequent mudslides “One805” was created, hosting the largest non-profit event in Santa Barbara History – The Kick Ash Bash! It brought together actors, entertainers, singers, performers, and most of all, our community in a spirit of healing. First Responders and their families were treated to an amazing day where we were able to put the tragedy behind us. Thanks to the efforts of many, over $2 million was raised to provide counseling support to First Responders and purchase equipment to directly support victims of the tragedy.
All who would like to contribute to One805 to assist our local First Responders may do so at One805.org. Please know that 100% of all contributions go to first responders and related supportive services.Visit www.One805.org for more information and to make a donation.