Gift For Life Partners with Market Organizers to Support So Cal Wildfire Relief Efforts

January 13, 2025… In response to the devastating wildfires ravaging Southern California, Gift for Life is rallying the gift and home industry to support World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) relief efforts through a series of at-market fundraising events during the 2025 winter markets in Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York City. Industry donations are accepted at www.giftforlife.org/donate. 

The Southern California wildfires have caused immense damage, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, destroying homes and businesses and threatening communities across the Los Angeles area. World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is on the ground, providing immediate relief to impacted families and first responders by distributing fresh meals, water and sandwiches, while evaluating ongoing needs.

“We are grateful for the generosity and solidarity of the gift and home industry as they join forces with World Central Kitchen to aid in wildfire relief,” said Sarah Mount, chair of Gift for Life. “The winter markets provide an opportunity not only to support the industry but also to make a meaningful difference for those affected by this disaster.”

As part of their ongoing commitment to community support, market organizers ANDMORE, Dallas Market Center and Emerald Expositions are partnering with Gift for Life to host at-market fundraising events and provide direct donation opportunities.

ANDMORE has launched a "United for California" campaign, which includes a $10,000 donation to World Central Kitchen, on-campus signage and donation QR codes across its Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market campuses, along with additional tenant outreach to drive support. Additionally, Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team is launching its first-ever “Party with a Purpose” at Atlanta Market on Tuesday, January 14. ANDMORE’s Shoppe Object is planning a fundraiser that runs February 2-4, at New York City’s Starrett-Lehigh Building.

“As wildfires continue to impact Southern California, ANDMORE is proud to join Gift for Life and World Central Kitchen in providing meaningful support,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of ANDMORE. “We believe in the power of community and are committed to doing our part to help families and first responders during this difficult time.” 

Other gift and home industry market leaders also are stepping up. Dallas Market Center is encouraging donations through a social media campaign; and NY NOW in addition to a social media campaign and onsite signage promoting wildfire relief efforts, is planning a Gift for Life-connected, at-market Happy Hour on Sunday, February 2, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. 

World Central Kitchen, which has long been at the forefront of providing immediate food relief in the wake of natural disasters, is mobilizing resources across the Los Angeles area, where several fires continue to burn. Throughout the winter markets, every contribution will help provide food, water and essential support to the families and first responders who are working tirelessly to combat the wildfires and restore safety to the region.

“The team at World Central Kitchen is committed to helping those impacted by the wildfires, and the support from the gift and home industry is invaluable in ensuring we can provide relief where it’s needed most,” said Matthew Tripsas, Director of Community Fundraising for World Central Kitchen. “Every dollar donated during these markets helps deliver fresh meals, water and comfort to the communities in crisis.”

As the situation in Southern California continues to evolve, Gift for Life and market organizers remain committed to supporting World Central Kitchen's ongoing efforts to provide immediate assistance to those in need. Together, the gift and home industry stands united in the face of disaster, helping to bring comfort and support to communities facing an unprecedented crisis.

To donate, visit www.giftforlife.org/donate. 

Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s COVID-related hunger relief. Since that time, Gift for Life has led gift and home industry efforts to fund provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for AIDS Walk NY which benefits GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org.

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at www.wck.org.