SANTA ROSA, Calif.–A fund established by Redwood Credit Union and other partners to help victims of the wildfires in the North Bay has now exceeded $10 million, with donations from more than 17,000 donors.
Among the latest to contribute: Klay Thompson of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Thompson pledged to donate $1,000 for each point he scores in upcoming Warriors’ games to the 2017 North Bay Fire Relief Fund.
Based on his career average of 19.1 points per game, the total could come to $57,300 from the games Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors, Friday against the Washington Wizards and Oct. 29 versus the Detroit Pistons, all at Oracle Arena, according to organizers.
“Let’s stick together because a lot of loved ones and families have been displaced and lost in this terrible event,” said Thompson in a video announcing the donation. “Property’s been damaged but we can build this thing back up if we stick together and donate.”
The relief fund, run by Redwood Credit Union in partnership with state Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) and The Press Democrat was established last week to assist people impacted by the wildfires that have ravaged four counties.
Major donors to date have included Graton Resort & Casino and PG&E, which both gave $1 million or more, Comcast-NBCUniversal, which gave $500,000 or more and B. Wise Vineyards, AT&T and Friedman’s Home Improvement, which each gave $200,000 or more.
In a statement, Brett Martinez, president and CEO of Redwood Credit Union, lauded the “incredible outpouring of support and money coming from around the country and the world from people and organizations wanting to show their care and support for fire victims across the four North Bay counties who were impacted by these devastating fires.”
The fund has committed $6 million to support families who lost their homes in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties, with an additional $200,000 for first responders who lost their homes.
In addition, $1 million has been designated for emergency food and housing support, along with assistance to children who lost their homes.
Allocations include $125,000 to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and $50,000 to Community Action Napa Valley, which is distributing food to fire victims, and $50,000 to Petaluma People Services Center to provide temporary housing for people displaced by the fires.