Davis Fire Relief Benefit: Helping our North Coast Neighbors

Fire relief fundraiser planned in Davis Oct. 22

If you’ve been wondering where or how to donate to fire victims, look no further: a group of local elected officials and community organizers in Davis has come together to mount a response to the unprecedented wildfires that devastated Sonoma, Napa, Lake, and Mendocino counties last week.

Spearheaded by Davis City Councilmember Lucas Frerichs, the group has organized a Fire Relief Benefit, to be held Sunday, Oct. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sudwerk Brewing Company, 2001 Second Street in Davis. 

“Davis residents and businesses have been looking for a way to help our North Coast neighbors since this nightmare unfolded,” Frerichs said. “This is what we can do, and I’m hoping we can demonstrate just how generous Davis can be.”

Frerichs said the organizing team also includes Davis City Councilmember Rochelle Swanson; DJUSD Trustee Barbara Archer; Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor; Trent Yackzan of Sudwerk Brewing Co.; Andrea Lepore of Hot Italian; Davis Media Access and KDRT 95.7 FM; and community organizers Stacie Frerichs, Autumn Labbe-Renault, Brian Morgan, Gloria Partida, Neil Ruud, Jeff Shaw, and Danny Tomasello.

The event will feature local bands (Sometimes Warren w/ Keith Cary, and the Byron Colborn Trio are confirmed so far), a live broadcast by community radio station KDRT 95.7 FM, and beer by Sudwerk and food by Hot Italian, with a portion of bar and food sales also benefitting the event.

Entry to the event is a gift card of any amount to a store that sells groceries or clothes and is redeemable in most areas of Northern California (Safeway, Target, CVS, for example). Working with elected officials in these counties, the cards will be delivered to fire victims most in need who have been evacuated, and in many cases have lost everything. "Gift cards and cash donations are the most important way we can help right now.  Used items require logistical support. We are in touch with our colleagues from neighboring counties and will advise if any other specific needs emerge,” said Saylor, a member of the organizing team.

Donations can also be made—at the event or online—directly to fire victims through the community fund established through Redwood Credit Union (which serves all four counties mentioned above), and donations can be earmarked for specific communities. https://rcu-community-fund.squarespace.com; 100 percent of monies donated here will go directly to victims.

For more information, contact Labbe-Renault at autumn@davismedia.org or (530) 757-2419, Ext. 11.