California wildfire victims left wondering where $100M went following FireAid benefit concert
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The star-studded benefit concert that raised more than $100 million dollars for wildfire victims in California is itself under fire for how the money was spent.

“I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors,” said David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades.

FireAid billed itself as “a benefit concert for wildfire victims.” Aside from music by the likes of Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry and Olivia Rodrigo, the five-hour show featured multiple stories from victims of the Altadena and Palisades fire who’d lost their homes.

At least $6.5 million in donor money also went to the County of Los Angeles.

All told, FireAid says it has granted $75 million so far to 188 non-profits. The remaining $25 million should go out in August and will focus on “long-term wildfire mitigation, environmental resilience, and sustainable rebuilding,” according to the group.

The LA Times this week published an extensive piece on FireAid funding, contacting 100 non-profits receiving aid. It said the money provided a lifeline to many groups, allowing them to provide food, shelter, mental health services and animal care.

FIREAID Benefit Concert For California Fire Relief - Intuit Dome

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at Intuit Dome on January 30, 2025, in Inglewood, California.  (Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIREAID)

So who exactly who is responsible for how the money is spent? That’s not entirely clear. The Annenberg Foundation helped organize the concert but claims only an advisory role in how the money is spent.

An Annenberg spokesperson says spending decisions are made by the FireAid Advisory Committee made up of respected philanthropists. They make recommendations to the FireAid Board of Trustees. It includes several executives from the LA Clipper basketball team, a businessman and wife of a prominent media executive.

While there is no evidence of fraud, California Congressman Kevin Kiley wants U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate “where these donations went and who benefited.” 

We asked fire victim David Howard if the thought that was necessary.

“100%,” he said. “No question. We need to get to the bottom of where the money is going. A lot of money is going to non-profits in a lot of different areas and it’s not going to where it needs to.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Indiana trans student admits to plotting Valentine’s Day school shooting, kept ‘shrine’ to mass killers

Indiana Student Confesses to Planning Valentine’s Day Attack, Found with Disturbing Collection

A transgender high school student in Indiana has entered a plea agreement…
‘We don’t want anyone to starve’: Rep. Angie Nixon urges DeSantis to declare state of emergency

Rep. Angie Nixon Calls on Governor DeSantis to Declare State of Emergency to Prevent Hunger Crisis

State Representative Angie Nixon has warned that approximately three million Floridians are…
A house under construction is seen in Culver City, a neighborhood of Los Angeles on November 21, 2020. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Unlocking the Housing Struggle: Why Los Angeles Tops the ‘House Poor’ List in the U.S.

The affordability crisis in Los Angeles often centers on renters struggling to…
David Foster, 75,takes Katharine McPhee, 41, to dinner

David Foster, 75, and Katharine McPhee, 41, Turn Heads at Elegant Dinner Date

Over the weekend, renowned music producer David Foster, 75, appeared weary as…
Insider tells DOLLY BUSBY the truth about Lily Allen and David Harbour

Exclusive Reveal: The Real Story Behind Lily Allen and David Harbour’s Relationship

David Harbour, known for his roles in film and television, was spotted…
Woman gets max sentence for murder of 3-year-old in Ohio store parking lot

Ohio Judge Delivers Maximum Sentence in Tragic Case of 3-Year-Old’s Murder

CLEVELAND (WJW) — In a significant ruling on Monday morning, Bionca Ellis…
Trump says missiles for Japan’s F-35s will arrive ‘this week’ during visit to USS George Washington

Trump Announces Imminent Arrival of Missiles for Japan’s F-35s During USS George Washington Visit

During a visit to the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval…
Man accused in death of high school cheerleader at bonfire shooting now faces murder charge: officials

High School Bonfire Tragedy: Suspect Faces Upgraded Murder Charge in Cheerleader’s Death

The tragic bonfire shooting in Alabama has taken a grave turn, as…