Wallis Annenberg commits to $100K donation for Mountain Fire fund

This article was originally published by the VC Star.

Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg has committed to a $100,000 donation to support the Mountain Fire survivors fund, local officials announced this week.

The fire erupted on South Mountain near Somis on Nov. 6, burning roughly 32 square miles, destroying scores of homes and forcing evacuations in communities from Camarillo to Fillmore. At least 240 structures were destroyed in the fire, and an additional 125 damaged, according to an ongoing assessment. As of Thursday morning, the fire was 82% contained.

In response to the fire, the county of Ventura in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, established an emergency fund to support those most affected by the fire, officials said. County Supervisor Jeff Gorell announced Annenberg’s expected $100,000 donation at a Wednesday night town hall in Camarillo.

Prior to the announcement, the fund had so far collected and distributed $93,500. The money was provided directly to families and individuals as well as nonprofits, said Vanessa Bechtel, the community foundation’s president and CEO. An additional $10,000 was dedicated to covering costs associated with emergency animal evacuations.

Annenberg’s donation is expected to support those who lost their homes and farmworkers affected by the blaze, officials said.

“I am immensely grateful and just so thankful for our community,” Bechtel said.

More information about the Mountain Fire fund, how to donate or seek help is available at vccf.org/vccf-community-update-on-mountain-fire.