Musicians Supporting Musicians: AFM and Local 47 Funds Help Victims of Wildfires

January 30, 2025

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The tragic Palisades and Eaton fires are the most destructive to ever hit Los Angeles County. Dozens of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members have lost their homes and musical instruments. Many home studios, recordings, rare collections, and music memorabilia have been completely destroyed. Through Local 47’s Musicians Relief Fund, members in need have been able to get immediate assistance. The fund has already distributed thousands of dollars in relief.

Since the disaster began, a swell of donations has been pouring into the Local 47 Musicians Relief Fund by individuals and organizations from all over the country, including from New York City’s Local 802 Emergency Relief Fund, which donated $25,000 to help LA’s musicians.

“The loss and devastation experienced by musicians in Los Angeles cannot be exaggerated—many of our members have lost everything they owned, including their instruments. I am so grateful for the donations to our Relief Fund, which have allowed us to help our members at this terrible time,” says AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. 

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, particularly our members who have seen their lives devastated and livelihoods disrupted,” says AFM International President Tino Gagliardi. “We anticipate an increase in applications to the AFM Emergency Relief Fund, and encourage members to come together in support of one another by donating to the AFM Emergency Fund if they are able to.”

The AFM and Local 47 continue to work closely to assess the needs of musicians impacted by the fires and ensure that assistance is provided quickly and efficiently. The Local 47 Musicians Relief Fund and the AFM Emergency Relief Fund provide crucial assistance to musicians facing hardship due to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Visit www.afm.org/2025/01/california-wildfires/ for additional wildfire relief resources or to donate to either Relief Fund.

To donate to the AFM Emergency Relief Fund, visit: www.afm.org/emergency-assistance.

To donate to the Local 47 Relief Fund, please visit: www.afm47.org/relief.

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