$650,000 Raised At Event Headlined By Jay Shetty To Support LA Fire Survivors

Photos: @anitavermalallian

India-West News Desk

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California, the city’s philanthropic community has come together to provide much-needed relief to those affected. One of impactful effort came from an event spearheaded by Indian Americans Jay Shetty, renowned author and podcast host, and real estate investor Anita Verma-Lallian, on January 26.

Held at Hotel Bel-Air, the event attracted 200 high-profile Indian American and philanthropic leaders.

Jay Shetty, who has made Los Angeles his home for nearly seven years, reflected on the deeper lessons found in times of hardship: “In moments of great tragedy and stress, we often look for certainty, try to look for stability… things we can hold onto. Those are very natural things to seek. The spiritual path is not to look for certainty in times of uncertainty. It is to look for service. To look for opportunities to serve and give back, help others, and uplift. Because if we look for certainty, you may never find it.”

Anita Verma-Lallian who recently made headlines after purchasing the former home of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry, is the founder of Camelback Productions, the first South Asian-owned film production company in the US. The company posted that the fundraiser had brought in over $650,000.

The funds raised have been earmarked to support Baby2Baby, a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in delivering emergency supplies to children and families affected by the fires. Social media posts said it has already distributed over 6 million emergency supplies, including diapers, food, formula, and water, to support families and children in need.

The event featured appearances from comedians Lilly Singh and Kumail Nanjiani, the latter of whom had previously hosted a separate comedy benefit in LA with all proceeds benefiting the California Fire Foundation’s Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund.

Attendees were also treated to a silent auction with exclusive items, including tickets to Elton John’s Academy Awards Watch Party, a Beatles-signed guitar, and a 3-carat diamond ring. In a moment of collective healing, Jay Shetty led the guests in a heartfelt meditation during the Hotel Bel-Air ballroom event.