Disney pledges $15M to aid Los Angeles wildfire victims
The Pacific Palisades wildfires devastated the home of “This Is Us” star Milo Ventimiglia, tragically destroying a newly installed crib for the father-to-be, reports AP.
CBS cameras captured Ventimiglia walking through his scorched house, standing in the remains of his kitchen and surveying the ruined neighbourhood. “Your heart just breaks,” he said.
He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated with their dog on Tuesday, later watching via security cameras as the flames consumed their home, including the crib.
“There’s a moment of shock where you realise, ‘Oh, this is real. This is happening.’ At some point, you think, ‘What good is it to keep watching?’ And then we just turned it off,” Ventimiglia shared.
Firefighters worked to contain the flames during a brief respite from heavy winds on Friday as organisations, including the Walt Disney Co., pledged significant aid. Disney announced a $15 million donation to support victims and rebuilding efforts.
Reflecting on his loss, Ventimiglia noted parallels with his “This Is Us” character, Jack Pearson, who died from smoke inhalation in a house fire. “Life imitating art isn’t lost on me,” he said.
Mandy Moore, who portrayed his on-screen wife, narrowly avoided total destruction of her Altadena home in the Eaton fire. While part of her house remains, it is uninhabitable, and her husband lost his music studio and instruments.
Mel Gibson’s home was “completely gone,” confirmed his publicist, Alan Nierob. Gibson revealed the loss on Joe Rogan’s podcast on Friday.
Several celebrities have reported their homes destroyed or severely damaged in the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires, which have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of structures and vehicles, and left over 150,000 people under evacuation orders.
Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh, lost their home, now reduced to dust and debris. Keleigh posted before-and-after photos on Instagram, urging residents to evacuate and expressing gratitude to first responders. “We will come back stronger than ever,” she wrote, lamenting that she hadn’t taken her wedding dress.
Billy Crystal and his wife lost their 45-year-old home. Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Cary Elwes, and R&B singer Jhené Aiko have also confirmed the loss of their homes. Haley Joel Osment reported losing everything in Altadena.
“I am deeply sorry for the losses so many are enduring,” Osment shared on Instagram. “I’m trying to remember the unique beauty of this town now gone forever. Thank you to everyone who has reached out or helped as we say goodbye to our home.”
The Walt Disney Co. announced on Friday that it will donate $15 million towards wildfire recovery efforts.
The funds will be distributed among organisations like the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
“Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles with little more than boundless imagination, choosing this city to make his home and pursue his dreams,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “We are honoured to support this resilient and vibrant community during its time of need.”
FIREAID benefit concert planned
A benefit concert to support wildfire victims is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Organisers, including the Azoff family in collaboration with Live Nation and AEG Presents, have yet to announce the lineup or ticket details. Funds raised will assist affected individuals and support efforts to prevent future wildfires.