Evacuated from the Thomas Fire, three Montecito friends -- Eric Phillips, Pat Smith, and Sheila Herman – met up in Los Angeles where they anxiously awaited news and the fate of their homes. Marveling at the heroism of the first responders, they all agreed: when the fire was finally contained, the men and women of the fire, police, sheriff and CHP would need to be properly thanked. Their friends, Patrick and Ursula Nesbitt, agreed to host an event at their estate and the idea soon took off. The first committee meeting was held Christmas Eve and in just over a week nearly $250,000 had been raised.
After the flood, this dedicated team decided to rebrand their effort as “One805” to reflect a desire to unify and heal as a community and in order to honor both our First Responders and the Thomas Flood victims.
One805 is the organizing team of “Kick Ash Bash”, a first of its kind event to bring together Fire, Police, Sheriff, and CHP - under one banner and the only event to honor both our First Responders and the Thomas Flood victims. The event will take place on Sunday February 25, 2018 from 12 – 6pm with an expected 2,500+ people in attendance. Sited at the spectacular Nesbitt Bella Vista Estate in Summerland, the event will be part music festival, part family fair, and 100% 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 foundations.
Who Benefits? All funds raised 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 Sheriff Departments will determine the allocation of funds and equipment purchases. Direct Relief International CEO, Thomas Tighe, will serve on the committee to determine funds for survivor relief.
“It’s really a collaborative process for those of us serving on One805’s beneficiary community. Essentially, we all take off our badges and say ‘Ok, what does our community need most.’”- Santa Barbara City Fire Chief, Pat McElroy.
Already, One805 has raised more than $1 million and has contributed to two urgently-needed mobile command centers and professional counseling services for first responders emotionally affected by the disaster. 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. We are letting those who serve on the front lines determine the best use of funds raised.
Who manages the funds raised? Senior representatives from Santa Barbara’s Police, Fire, and Sheriff are all on the committee. All funds are being directed to the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance -- a 501(c)3 – which will distribute them to all first responder organizations.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
12:00pm - 10:00pm PST-
Bella Vista Ranch & Polo Club
2800 Via Real , Summerland, CA 93103
One805
About
The Story Behind the Event: Evacuated from the Thomas Fire, three Montecito friends -- Eric Phillips, Pat Smith, and Sheila Herman – met up in Los Angeles where they anxiously awaited news and the fate of their homes. Marveling at the heroism of the first responders, they all agreed: when the fire was finally contained, the men and women of the fire, police, sheriff and CHP would need to be properly thanked. Their friends, Patrick and Ursula Nesbitt, agreed to host an event at their estate and the idea soon took off. The first committee meeting was held Christmas Eve and in just over a week, nearly $250,000 had been raised. What is it: Kick Ash Bash will first and foremost be a day of fun for our first responders, in a heartfelt statement of immense gratitude. After all, they just saved our town! This will be a family-friendly celebration that includes live music, food, drink, and entertainment for the kids. The event has already been paid for by the immediate and extraordinary generosity of individuals and local foundations. All of our firefighters and first responders are now covered to attend with their families at no cost. Who Benefits? Having covered the cost of the event, we hope to raise money to help our First Responders purchase equipment they desperately need but not in their budgets. For that, we are seeking corporate sponsorships and private donations. This is the first ever event in our community to bring together ALL of our first responders - fire, police, sheriff, and CHP - under one banner. It benefits everyone in our community and County, regardless of where they live. Our fundraising Goal: $500,000+ Who manages the funds raised? Senior representatives from Santa Barbara’s Police, Fire, and Sheriff are all on the committee. All funds are being directed to the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance -- a 501(c)3 – which will distribute them to all first responder organizations. Where: Kick Ash Bash will be held at Patrick and Ursula Nesbitt's Bella Vista Estate -- providing ample space for the expected 1,000+ people in attendance. When: Sunday February 25, 2018 from 12 – 6 pm