Santa Monicans looking to help out our neighbors to the west won’t have to travel far to do so.
Several people and places in the community are hosting events to help out in relief efforts to support those affected by the Woolsey fire.
Hiptique, Lilla Bello and more: Malibu Fire Fundraiser
“I’m a little emotional,” a shaky voice said. “It just hit me hard today.”
Christine Berardi, the owner of high-end clothing store Hiptique on Montana Avenue, was driving back from checking on her store Malibu store location when the Daily Press got in contact with her.
While her sister store was fine (aside from smoke damage) the damage the fires have caused her customers, community and loved ones is what’s been echoing around in her mind.
“There are people with nothing now,” she said, voice trailing in and out of trembles during her call with the Daily Press. “I truly respect everyone up there so much … I just wanted to be able to do something to show them how much I appreciate them.”
Berardi recently held a relief fundraiser in the back of her Santa Monica store to help those affected by the fires. The fundraiser sought new clothing to help those involved in the fires get back to a normal life.
Berardi says thus far, the community has been very generous. Vendors throughout LA and friends of the store have donated boxes upon boxes of clothes, with two vendors sending over 100 pairs of pants. “I’m blown away,” Berardi said.
If you are from Malibu or know someone that could benefit from this and happened to have missed the event, Berardi says to contact the store directly and she’ll find a way to assist you. Malibu residents with ID can still pick up free clothing.
Hiptique is located at 2727 Main Street 90405. Their phone number is (310) 399-6106.
Woolsey Fire Benefit Comedy Show
Local comedian Justin Wood wanted to help Woolsey fire victims but just didn’t know how.
Then, it clicked. He could bring what he delivers best, laughter.
Wood and several comedians will host a night of comedy to bring smiles to the faces of Woolsey victims and collect donations for them as well.
While Wood usually performs at Bareburger’s comedy night, his relief comedy show will be hosted by Dude’s Brewery. Wood says the community-involved brewery was immediately receptive to the idea, as were the comedians on the show.
“The lineup is absolutely incredible,” Callen says about his show, featuring names such as Bryan Callen and Laurie Kilmartin. “It will be an amazing night of comedy and giving back to people that need it.”
The event will take place Tuesday, November 20, free of charge.
Donations are accepted and encouraged with all proceeds going to the Santa Monica Red Cross and CARE Rescue LA.
“If you can’t afford a donation, that’s fine,” Wood says. “People just need laughs during all this.”
Dude’s Brewery is located at 395 Santa Monica Place #304
AirBnB / Plús Hús
AirBnB recently began its Open Homes Program to assist with relief efforts.
The program connects hosts who’d like to offer housing to displaced Woolsey fire victims.
Plús Hús, a soon-to-open Santa Monica-based Accessory Dwelling Unit (think micro-housing) seller, has been housing evacuees through the program since the fires began.
Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, founder of Plús Hús, said she’s glad to help, having cycled through several evacuees now for short or long stays.
One such evacuee, Austin Daniels, is grateful for his housing there at the moment. Daniels, 25, lost his photography lab in the fire and has yet to get into contact with his father.
While concerned about family, friends and perhaps more environmental damage to Malibu via mudslides when he returns, he’s happy to have his own for the moment, away from the chaos he’s experienced.
“It’s nice to have some of my own space where I can not think about what happened and keep my mind off it and start working and start trying to move forward,” Daniels said. “I’m very thankful. Taking it day by day.”
For more info on AirBnb’s Open Homes Program, visit https://www.airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees/venturacounty
24 Hour Fitness
The all-day gym is granting all first responders, residents, members and guests free entry to its 10 area clubs free of charge during the month of November, regardless of membership status.
Santa Monica’s 2nd and 31st Street locations will be participating.
“This has been a trying time for local residents, which includes our members, employees and their families,” said Chris Roussos, CEO, 24 Hour Fitness in a press release. “When tragedy hits, it’s easy to set aside your health and wellbeing. We hope to offer residents and first-responders a place to work out, shower or just relax.”
The Santa Monica participating locations are 415-1417 Second St. and 2929 31st St.
For more information about club locations, hours of operation and other area participating locations, visit www.24hourfitness.com
Michael’s
Michael’s on the Promenade will offer the MikeGriddle -- their unique version of McDonald’s egg McMuffin -- for $10 with proceeds going towards a relief effort for Malibu Canyon Farmers.
The restaurant’s take on the popular breakfast sandwich has a rabbit sausage patty and Japanese-style egg housed between slices of Brazilian cheese bread.
The MikeGriddle is available now and scheduled to be available through Thanksgiving week, subject to change.
Shorebar
This Santa Monica restaurant and bar will hold a fundraiser with all monetary proceeds and food and supply donations going to relief efforts.
$200 a ticket for entry is required with table prices ranging from hightop seating (five guests entry) with a $1500 minimum to booth seating (10 guests entry) with a $2500 minimum.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-love-malibu-wildfire-relief-efforts-at-shorebar-tickets-52547432786?aff=erellivmlt
Santa Monica College Foundation
The Santa Monica College Foundation has partnered with the SMMUSD to raise a targeted $250,000 to raise funds for students, staff, families and more affected by the fire. They’ve raised a little over $5,200 thus far.
https://santamonicacollegefoundation.org/malibufirerelief
Hi Hostel
Hi Hostel on 2nd is opening their doors to the those that may need low-cost lodging options.
While the hostel typically doesn’t allow county residents to stay, they have made an exception to their rule to help out and do “everything we can to assist in what [fire victims] need,” according to Hi Hostel GM Kimberly Turner.
“There’s a lot of options around but very expensive in Santa Monica, but our prices, in general, are quite low. We want to assist and make sure they have a bed to sleep in.”
The hostel is currently hosting 10 evacuees.
For more information, visit http://hilosangeles.org/
