$1 Million and Growing

Santa Barbara was hardly given a chance to breathe following the Thomas Fire – the largest fire in recorded California history – when the Thomas Flood struck a far more damaging blow to the Montecito, California community. 

After the fire, a committee of appreciative community members quickly assembled to say “thank you” to the first responders – the men and women from the fire, police, sheriff departments, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) – in planning a massive community celebration branded as the “Kick Ash Bash”.

After the flood and the devastating mudslides, this dedicated team decided to rebrand their effort as “One805” to reflect a desire to unify and heal as a community. One805 is a gratitude event to honor first responders while raising much-needed funds for emergency equipment and relief efforts in the wake of the Thomas fire and flood. It is a first-of-its-kind event to bring together fire fighters, police, sheriff, and CHP under one banner, and the only event to honor both our first responders and the Thomas Flood victims.

On Sunday, February 25, from noon to 6 pm, One805 will treat guests to an exciting lineup of live musical performances, family activities, and exhibits by local response agencies. Of the 2,500 tickets available, 1,500 will be donated to first responders and their families, with a majority of the remaining tickets going to event sponsors and donors. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase online.

Sited at the spectacular Nesbitt Bella Vista Estate in Summerland, the event will be part music festival, part family fair, and 100 percent about bringing our community together in the aftermath of tragedy. With live music, food, drink, and entertainment for the kids, the event has been completely underwritten by the immediate and extraordinary generosity of individuals and local businesses and foundations. To date, One805 has raised more than $1M with a fundraising goal of $2+ million.

Collaborative Event

All donations will be routed through the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance. From there, a beneficiary committee comprised of first responders from County Fire, City Fire, City Police, CHP, and the Sheriff departments will determine the allocation of funds and equipment purchases. Direct Relief International and Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team are also earmarked to receive funds from the beneficiary committee for victim relief.

“It’s really a collaborative process for those of us serving on One805’s beneficiary community,” stated chief Pat McElroy. “Essentially, we all take off our badges and say, ‘Okay, what does our community need most?’” 

Immediate Assistance for First Responders and Victims

Already, One805 organizers have contributed to two urgently needed mobile command centers and professional counseling services for first responders and victims emotionally affected by the disaster. 

Both the Police Department and Fire Department are purchasing Mobile Command Units (MCU), with funds raised by One805. “It is crucial that we have a command unit that can be used on-site when there is a disaster,” said police chief Lori Luhnow. “It makes our job less difficult when helping our community in a time of crisis.” Each MCU costs approximately $300,000, and these purchases would not be possible without the funds raised by One805. They have been ordered, and the departments expect to receive them within the next couple of months.

“There is a lot of need right now in this community. One805 is a great option for those who want their contributions to have wide-reaching and lasting impact,” stated event organizer and co-chair Eric Phillips. “We are letting those who serve on the front lines determine the best use of funds raised.”

Another immediate need that has already received funds from One805 is the At Ease program, a professional counseling service for first responders that was launched a couple of years back by retired sergeant Mike McGrew, chaplain for the Santa Barbara Police Department. “The At Ease Program is an amazing program that helps with Post Traumatic Stress and other things that the first responders see on a day-to-day basis, things that people probably could never even imagine,” said McGrew in an interview at the Hotel Californian where the One805 Executive Committee have been meeting on a regular basis. “We never imagined just how important this program would be for our first responders over these past few weeks. Most of us have never had to deal with a situation this difficult for such an extended period of time. The demand for counseling services was so great that the At Ease Program’s resources quickly depleted putting its help for the first responders in jeopardy. When the One805 committee heard about our need, we received funds immediately and could continue helping our first responders.” 

McGrew went on to explain that during the first few days following the mudslide, it became evident those victims in the community who they were helping also desperately needed professional counseling services. The decision was immediately made to open up the At Ease program to the victims, so they too could benefit from professional counseling. “I cannot express how thankful we are to the One805 members for releasing these funds to us immediately, enabling the help we all need to get through this tragedy,” said Sargent McGrew.

Montecito Fire chief Chip Hickman reinforced this sentiment of gratitude for the support they have received through the At Ease Program. At the recent One805 Committee meeting, he gave an emotional account of taking survivors back to their damaged homes this week and the toll it had on his team assigned the task.

Sponsorships Still Available

“There are still many One805 Event Sponsorships opportunities available for those individuals, corporations, businesses, or foundations who wish to support our first responders,” said Richard Weston-Smith from the One805 Executive Committee.

Yardi, the presenting sponsor for the event, has donated $400,000 to One805. Gordon Morrell, executive vice president of Yardi, told the One405 Executive Committee that Yardi is normally shy about letting people know of their donations. “However, this is such a special time and such a unique opportunity for the community to join together to help the first responders, that Yardi are happy to put their name out as presenting sponsor in the hope that it will encourage other companies to join them in whatever sponsorship capacity they can.”

The One805 event will be held at the Bella Vista Polo Club on Sunday, February 25, from noon to 6 pm, with an after party from 6 to 8 pm. Performers and presenters – all who waived their fees – include Alan Parsons and friends, Kenny Loggins, Wilson Phillips, The Sisterhood, Don Johnson, Billy Baldwin, and more. Nearly the entire event has been underwritten by sponsorships and donations.

“We understand we are still recovering,” added Richard Weston-Smith. “One805 is really more like a community hug. Whether or not people can attend the event, their contributions will support an important day of appreciation for our first responders – and the critical, life-saving work they continue provide.”

“The last few months have been really hard on my team and all the first responders,” acknowledged sheriff Bill Brown. “It will be nice to enjoy a day of levity, joy, and hope for the future with our peers and our neighbors.”

For more information, go to www.One805.org or send an email to info@one805.org to find out about sponsorship opportunities.