NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
A high-profile fundraiser that promised hope and relief to wildfire victims in California has now come under fire itself. The event, a celebrity-backed benefit concert called FireAid, raised an astonishing $100 million in January 2025 following devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region. But six months later, not a single victim has received direct financial assistance.
FireAid was heavily promoted by California Democrat officials and major Hollywood names as a powerful response to the crisis, with bold promises to support those who lost their homes, property, and livelihoods. However, as time passed, victims began to question where the money had gone—and why none of it had reached them.
Investigative journalist Sue Pascoe of Circling the News began probing the issue and discovered that the funds were being managed not by local recovery teams, but by the Annenberg Foundation, a philanthropic organization headquartered on the East Coast. According to her findings, the money had been diverted to various nonprofit organizations, many of which had no direct involvement in wildfire recovery efforts.
Pascoe sent inquiries to the foundation asking for transparency—specifically, how much of the money was designated for the hardest-hit communities like Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga Canyon, and which nonprofits were receiving the funds. She received no written reply and was unable to reach anyone through the foundation’s phone extensions.
Eventually, Pascoe did connect with Chris Wallace, the Annenberg Foundation’s chief communications officer. His response stunned many: the funds, he confirmed, were not intended for direct distribution to victims. Instead, they were earmarked for a preselected list of nonprofits associated with the foundation. No community input, no public accounting, and no guarantee that any wildfire victim would benefit from the donations raised in their name.
Independent journalist James Li echoed the outrage, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“This ‘benefit concert’ might be one of the biggest scams in disaster fundraising history.”
To date, the Annenberg Foundation has not released a full breakdown of how the $100 million was spent or which organizations received funding. The absence of clear records, combined with a lack of results on the ground, has triggered public backlash and calls for accountability.
The situation has also placed renewed scrutiny on California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both of whom supported the FireAid initiative. Neither has issued a public statement regarding the controversy or the missing funds.
The frustration among residents is further amplified by reports of emergency preparedness failures during the fires themselves. In some neighborhoods, fire hydrants were reportedly dry or inoperable—conditions that hampered emergency response teams during critical moments.
Now, victims and watchdogs alike are demanding answers. Calls are growing for an independent audit of the FireAid program and a formal investigation into how such a massive sum could be raised without delivering aid to those who needed it most.
With no timeline for resolution and no money in the hands of victims, the $100 million fundraiser that once inspired hope is quickly becoming a symbol of mismanagement, broken promises, and the growing disconnect between public fundraising efforts and the people they’re meant to serve.
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Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
