Taylor Swift donates to 10 organizations assissting in LA wildfire relief
Taylor Swift shared on her Instagram story that she has donated to 10 organizations in the Los Angeles area, which is experiencing widespread wildfire devastation.
“The fires in California have devastated so many families,” the singer wrote, “and it’s been heartbreaking to see these stories unfold. So much suffering, loss and destruction. As so many people embark on some of the most challenging times of their lives, there are also many amazing organizations and groups banding together to help these communities rebuild.”
Swift then included the names of 10 funds and foundations:
211 LA
California Community Foundation Fund
Direct Relief
Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation Emergency Relief Fund
MusiCares
Pasadena Educational Foundation Eaton Fire Response Fund
“These are the organization I’ve donated to,” she added. “If you feel compelled or able to donate, please do.”
She didn’t post the amount of money donated.
‘Thank you Taylor Swift’
One of the organizations, Direct Relief, shared a message of gratitude to the superstar shortly after the announcement.
“Direct Relief is deeply grateful to Taylor Swift for her extraordinary generosity and support for its wildfire response efforts,” the note from CEO Dr. Byron Scott read in part. “Her compassion and commitment to communities across Southern California impacted by these devastating fires is inspiring.”
Latest on the fire fight
A series of blazes ripped through the Los Angeles area starting on Jan. 7. Hurricane-like winds initially propelled flames and embers through neighborhoods. The blazes reduced neighborhoods to ash, killed 25 people, scorched more than 40,300 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 homes and businesses, and forced more than 200,000 to evacuate.
According to Cal Fire on Thursday, the Palisades Fire remained at 22% containment and Eaton Fire had 55% containment.
Swift’s close friends lose home
Although Swift’s Beverly Hills property was not in the danger or evacuation zones, her close friends Miles and Keleigh Teller lost their Pacific Palisades house. Miles co-starred in Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me” music video and Keleigh was Swift’s date to the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Teller posted the last photo of her house. As she pulled out of the drive, she got a picture of white smoke hovering above the roof.
“To everyone reaching out I can’t thank you enough,” Teller said in part of her caption. “Your kind hearts have meant the world, I’ll never forget them. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, pacific palisades I love you beyond measure you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever.”
Celebrities give back
Swift is the latest in a long list of celebrities lending support to the Los Angeles area.
On Monday, Beyoncé’s BeyGood foundation contributed $2.5 million. In an Instagram post, the BeyGood foundation said the money would aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes as well as churches and community centers helping those impacted.
On Jan. 9, Actress Jamie Lee Curtis announced on Instagram that she and her family would be giving $1 million to “start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there.”
Grammys to continue, donate funds
The 2025 Grammys will proceed on Feb. 2 and the awards show plans to raise additional funds.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and board of trustees chair Tammy Hurt sent a letter on Monday to the recording academy members confirming they “launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals.”
Mason and Hurt confirmed the donations had already doubled to more than $2 million in emergency aid.
“This year’s show will carry a renewed sense of purpose,” the letter added, “raising additional funds to support wildlife relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
Swift may be in attendance at the show. She is up for six Grammy awards.
