As recovery efforts continue, First Entertainment remains dedicated to providing financial support and resources to help its community rebuild.
The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left some of our entertainment industry members facing significant loss and displacement. At First Entertainment, we are committed to supporting our members in times of crisis. To aid those affected, we contributed $75,000 to key industry organizations providing direct relief and assistance.
Standing With Our Community
We are grateful for the guilds and unions that support our members and have stepped up to help those impacted by these fires.
“These wildfires have changed our city, but they have also demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community,” said President and CEO Stephen Owen. “We are committed to standing by entertainment industry members and providing the financial support they need to recover and rebuild.”
Moving Forward Together
Our donation is helping entertainment professionals through these key organizations:
- The Producers Guild of America (PGA) Members Fund and Writer’s Guild (WGA) Members Fund in partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund
- The Directors Guild (DGA) Foundation in partnership with the Motion Picture Television Fund
- The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Disaster Relief Fund
- The California Community Fund
These organizations are actively working to make sure that entertainment professionals affected receive the financial assistance needed to rebuild their lives.
“I am inspired by the strength and resolve of the DGA community to help one another at a time of immense need,” said Directors Guild Foundation Chair Todd Holland. “This fund will provide critical resources directly to impacted DGA members as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
“When an organization like [First Entertainment] comes together and helps support members of the entertainment industry, it’s appreciated,” said Susan Sprung, CEO of The Producers Guild of America. “The minute the fires started our board immediately started our fund. First Entertainment is helping support that work and the funds will be going to members who have been displaced or lost their homes.”
Beyond our $75,000 donation, First Entertainment employees raised an additional $10,000 through a company matching program to support wildfire relief charities. We also partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in California, to provide these donations. FHLBank San Francisco is matching funds made by its member financial institutions to nonprofit organizations that provide relief and recovery services to the wildfire-affected communities.
Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom announced commitments from The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to offer mortgage relief for wildfire survivors. First Entertainment was recognized for our role in assisting homeowners affected by the fires as a DFPI licensee.
A Community United
We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders, volunteers, and industry professionals who have stepped up to support those affected. We are in this together, and First Entertainment will continue to stand by our members and the entertainment industry.
As we move forward, we encourage those in need to take advantage of available resources. Together, we will rebuild—stronger than before.
