Through the Overwhelming Support From the Los Angeles Community, iHeart LA and Dream Center's Local Fundraising Effort Raised Over $15 Million in Donations for Wildfire Disaster Relief
8,000 Volunteers United to Support Fellow Angelenos, With Donations Distributed to More than 80,000 Families
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center -- a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis -- launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which -- thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities -- has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart's history.
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Since the fundraising and donation effort launched on Tuesday, Jan 7:
- Over 8,000 people have volunteered;
- More than 80,000 individuals have received essential supplies like food, water, diapers, clothing and more onsite;
- Over 19,000 cars have gone through the Dream Center supply line;
- The initiative has raised over $15 million in cash and in-kind donations, with contributions still being accepted.
The results are testament to the power of local communities, which have always come together to support one another during times of disaster and crisis.
"The strength, generosity and resiliency of our LA communities is truly powerful -- and the way our broadcast radio listeners have come together to support one another is incredibly humbling," said Paul Corvino, Division President for iHeart LA. "While iHeart and the Dream Center were instrumental in connecting those in need with those eager to help, it was the community itself that has been incredibly inspirational, and which has been vital in keeping these efforts alive and ensuring that support is still available to those who need it the most, when they need it."
"The outpouring of love and generosity we have witnessed in response to this crisis has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of disaster, it is the strength of our community that shines the brightest, and we are humbled to see so many individuals stepping up to help their neighbors in need," said Matthew Barnett, Founder of Dream Center. "Thanks to our partnership with iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members, we have been able to provide essential aid to thousands who have lost so much. This effort is a testament to the power of compassion and unity, and we remain committed to serving those in need for as long as it takes."
About The Dream Center
The Dream Center Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and serving communities in need across Los Angeles. Founded in 1994 by Matthew Barnett and his father, Tommy Barnett, the Dream Center provides a wide range of free resources, including housing for individuals and families facing homelessness, disaster relief, food distribution, job training, addiction recovery programs, and outreach services that empower people to rebuild their lives.
The Dream Center impacts thousands of lives each year, offering hope and a pathway to self-sufficiency. Operating 24/7, the organization partners with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to provide critical support for the most vulnerable populations in Los Angeles.
To learn more about Dream Center Los Angeles or to get involved, visit www.dreamcenter.org.
About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:IHRT) is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
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Jessica King
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