If you’ve been following along on social media, then you probably know that I’ve teamed up with my dear friend + bad-ass boss babe Ariana of Summer Love Jewelry to support her with her new monthly initiative, AUCTIONS FOR CHARITY, which just launched for a week - kicking off this past Sunday 11/18! This first Auction features a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L Boulder Opal piece by Ariana (winner chooses to place it in a ring or necklace) as well as a Sunburnt & Salty Crop Top.
Now again, if you’ve been following along on social media then you also probably saw that we were originally going to donate the money collected to charity: water, a nonprofit working toward clean drinking water across the globe. This foundation was very close to our hearts as Hurricane Maria ripped across Puerto Rico just a little over a year ago, leaving the entire island without power and little-to-no access to water - especially clean drinking water.
But since then some recent events have transpired nearly in our own backyard. The Hill and Woolsey fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties have set nearly 100,000 acres of ablaze, killing two and forcing close to 300,000 from their homes under mandatory evacuation. As of November 16, the Woolsey Fire was 69% contained, while the Hill fire was 100% contained.
Then there is Northern California. So far this year, close to 1 million acres have been burned, threatening communities from Madera County to the Oregon border. Combined, these fires covered an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. In Butte County, the Camp Fire is now the most destructive fire in recent California history. So far, it has burned 117,000 acres, killing 42 and destroying more than 6,700 structures. The fire has forced 200,000 residents from their homes. As of November 16, the fire was 45% contained.
The immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires are great, and the recovery process will be long and difficult in communities throughout the state. People have lost everything. So we decided to now dedicate this first AUCTION FOR CHARITY to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund.
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts.
The Camp Fire in Northern California has become the most destructive wildfire in CA history. Photo via NPR.
Since the Wildfire Relief Fund opened in 2003, they have raised $5 million to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of devastating California wildfires.
Grants from the Wildfire Relief Fund have supported those who were displaced or lost housing, belongings and/or employment, or suffered physical or mental health problems; helped to rebuild homes; provided case management services, basic needs assistance, mental health services and financial assistance; upgraded 2-1-1 phone and information system; assisted California wildfire victims with follow-up medical care and supplies; provided respiratory equipment and information to people with lung disease; educated homeowners about green rebuilding; and provided disaster preparedness information.
The auction went live on Sunday, November 18 and will end on Sunday, November 25. We hope that you will join us in sharing the auction, making a bid, or making a separate donation to help those affected by the fire, especially right before the holidays.