Edhat Staff
Katy Perry performing at One805 Kick Ash Bash (Photo: Mike Eliason)
Singer Katy Perry was one of many celebrities who performed at the One805 Kick Ash Bash on Sunday as a fundraiser for Montecito following the devastating mudflow last month.
The sold-out fundraiser was a “gratitude event” for first-responders and survivors held at Bella Vista Polo Club in Summerland where Perry, a native of Santa Barbara, was a surprise guest. Of the 3,000+ tickets available, 2,300 were donated to families of first-responders and those affected by the fire and storm events.
Perry performed five acoustic songs for the crowd including “Part of Me” and “Roar.” She discussed getting her start at the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market when she was thirteen saying, “Santa Barbara will always be my home. I am blessed to be part of One805 in honoring our first responders and survivors… After the storm comes light. Everyone here today is a testament to that. This is the light…the community coming together towards healing, recovery, and strength. I am proud to be from Santa Barbara (Goleta).”
She dedicated her hit song “Firework” to survivor Lauren Cantin, the 14-year-old who was pulled from the debris by rescuers and tragically lost both her brother and father in the mudflow. Cantin took the stage with some of the first-responders who rescued her. She then sang a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America.”
Ellen Degeneres unexpectedly came on stage to offer personal expressions of appreciation, remarking “the news has moved on but we have not moved on.”
Other performers and presenters, all who waived their fees, included Alan Parsons and Friends, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Dishwalla, The Sisterhood Band, Glen Phillips, Steve Vai, Richard Marx, Wilson Phillips, and Kenny Loggins, who closed out the show. Dennis Miller served as the master of ceremonies.
A special tribute was given to Ashley Iverson, widow of CalFire Engineer Cory Iverson who was killed on December 14, 2017 during the Thomas Fire. She was joined on stage by Santa Barbara Police Chaplain Charles Reed.
A dedicated kids’ area featured cast members from the hit Disney show Andi Mack (Emily Skinner, Molly Jackson, and Luke Mullen) a Sea Center touch tank, Search & Rescue dogs, face painting, Duncan the Dinosaur, Smokey the Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, obstacle course, three helicopters, two fire engines and a squad car.
From 6:15-10:00 pm, the event transitioned to an “After Bash” party, hosted by actor Michael Keaton. David Crosby and the Sky Trails were joined by Iration, Robby Krieger of The Doors, playing music on The Doors 50th Anniversary, The Caverns, The Feal, plus DJ Zeke Monarrez, DJ Suzanne Boisvert, DJ Matt Moore.
“The goodwill that comes together at an event like this is a feeling that should be remembered for the rest of our lives,” said Michael Keaton when addressing the audience to kick off the “After Bash.”
“One805 far exceeded our expectations,” noted event coordinator Richard Weston Smith. “Logistically, this event was a bit of a beast. Yet it really was easy to rally performers, volunteers, and sponsors around this cause. Collectively, we accomplished something big for our community and for our first responders.”
One805 has raised nearly $2 million and distributed funds for two urgently-needed mobile command centers, as well as professional counseling services for first responders emotionally affected by the disaster. All funds raised will be routed through the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance. A beneficiary committee, comprised of first responders from County Fire, City Fire, Montecito Fire, Carpinteria/Summerland Fire, City Police, CHP and the Sheriff Departments will then determine the allocation of funds and equipment purchases. Direct Relief International will determine funds for survivor relief.
Unfortunately, there have been numerous reports of a fraudulent fundraiser collecting money on One805 and/or the Santa Barbara Firefighter Alliance’s behalf that is in no way connected to the organization. To make a secure donation to One 805, click here or send a check to SB Firefighters Alliance c/o Mary Bahnken/One805 at PO Box 3776, Santa Barbara, CA 93130.
And thanks to David Crosby who grew up in Montecito and Carpinteria. Everyone involved in this event deserves our gratitude.
It’s the music of Katy Perry that is absolutely wonderful. She’s a role model for everyone. Love her.
Your comment is vile.
The rich get rich and the poor get poorer. Just a little help from their friends and the already ridiculously affluent Montecito gets more while disasters in less exciting neighborhoods (such as Ventura?) have to make do with what is available from their own pockets or public sources. Maybe a little of this money will be given to Montecito School which claims it faces a shortfall due to tax loss from the disaster.