It’s been a bittersweet year for Malibu, a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate the joy of the season and for neighbor helping neighbor after a devastating fire that ravaged approximately 600 homes. The Malibu fire left hundreds of residents and their pets bunking with pals, fleeing to their parents or getting into any hotel they could find.
One company, Western Exterminator, said it lost 21 customers in one day, with nothing left but rubble and fireplaces. Everyone in Malibu knows someone who was affected. The area looks like a war zone. But there were also plenty of helping hands to ease the pain.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, who lost their four-bedroom, $2.5 million home in the tragedy, donated $500,000 for relief efforts. Despite their loss, Miley and Liam said they “wanted to give back to the place that has created so many beautiful memories for themselves and others.” Miley is said to be having a tough time dealing with the loss but also expressed gratitude, saying, “I was one of the lucky ones, I made it out with my pets, horses and my life.”
Ellen DeGeneres and the Walmart team passed along $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Neil Young, his new wife Daryl Hanna and Gerard Butler also suffered the effects of the inferno, while Julia Roberts, Martin Sheen and Lady Gaga were forced to evacuate. The California Fire Foundation and California Pizza Kitchen are also among the long list of those pitching in.
In addition to local celebs, the whole community pulled together for a benefit concert called One Love Malibu. The event was held on the grounds of the King Gillette Ranch with performers including Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani. It was a show of strength, determination and community togetherness.
The afternoon had a homey feel and was fueled by shrimp rolls and grilled salmon donated by Nobu. Servers made the rounds with Aperol spritzers and high-end brew. Some folks kicked back and watched the show in private Airstream trailers with acts that included Joe Walsh. The legendary singer belted out hits like “Walk Away” from his James Gang days while Robin Thicke gave the program a holiday spin with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Cisco Adler said he had been through three major fires but this one was by far the worst and he wondered if anything would be left. A lot still is around—especially the strong Malibu community spirit.
The event raised almost $1 million.