Cody Snavely
Over the last month, multiple wildfires have ravaged Southern California, hitting the Pacific Palisades the hardest in what was dubbed the most expensive natural disaster in United States history.
Multiple organizations, including in the sports world, have already made numerous statements in their efforts to help the victims of this tragic event. For example, the Dodgers and Fanatics teamed up to sell “LA Strong” T-shirts. Both organizations donated directly to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation.
However, today, Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson announced that Dodgers owner Mark Walter, the Walter Family Foundation, and the Dodgers Foundation would contribute $100 million toward Southern California wildfire recovery and rebuilding.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced today the creation of “LA Rises,” a new private-sector initiative headed by Magic Johnson, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, and 2028 Olympics organizer Casey Wasserman to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever,” Newsom said in a statement Tuesday. “Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild.”
This is the most recent of a plethora of donations by members within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, with two-way superstar and 2024 National League Most Valuable Player donating $500,000 to Los Angeles fire relief efforts.
World Series MVP Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, committed $300,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Pasadena Fire Department, and the Salvation Army to help the cause. Fan-favorite utility player Chris Taylor also announced his foundation would raise money for fire relief.
The city’s ability to rely on high-profile Angelenos outside government is a much-needed relief as the state and federal governments work on rebuilding the destruction.
With the 2025 Major League Baseball season nearly two weeks away, with pitchers and catchers reporting next month, it will be a storyline to follow for the defending World Series champions as they look to help the city that has suffered so much this month.
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