Jain Community Raises $450,000 For Los Angeles Fire Victims

Photo: Sameer Shah, Buena Park Vice Mayor Connor Traut, Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn, Dr Jayesh Shah

By Rajendra Vora

BUENA PARK, CA – In a powerful display of community support and generosity, the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) here hosted a fundraiser to aid victims of the recent Los Angeles fires, raising an impressive $450,000. The event, attended by approximately 300 people, was organized in collaboration with several Indian organizations across Southern California.

Partnering organizations included JAINA, Jain Social Group of Beverly Hills, Jain Social Group of LA, ACC, JTLA, Sanatan Dharm Temple, SRLC, TCCOP, Gayatri Parivar, VHPA, Radha Raman Temple, Shreeji Mandir, IDCA, ISAH, AISA, Sunshine Senior Center, and the Gujarati Society of Southern California.

The evening opened with JCSC President Sameer Shah, encouraging attendees to actively participate in the relief efforts.

A key highlight of the initiative was JCSC’s commitment to ensuring that 100% of the funds raised would go directly toward fire relief efforts, with zero overhead costs. The funds are being distributed in partnership with nonprofit organizations, including several education foundations and the Pasadena Humane Society.

Firefighter and Good Karma Foundation founder Vishal Narayan shared his firsthand experience battling the fires and how his team distributed homemade vegetarian meals to fellow firefighters.

Local leaders, including Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn and Vice Mayor Connor Traut, applauded JCSC’s humanitarian efforts and extended their support. Artesia Mayor Ali Taj praised the collective work of local organizations, while former California Assemblyman Chris Holden pledged assistance in connecting relief funds to the appropriate organizations.

Leading up to the fundraiser, JCSC had also organized a supply drive, successfully donating three truckloads of essential supplies—including clothing, blankets, toiletries, non-perishable food, and over-the-counter medications.

The evening featured entertainment by Amit Anand and his team, as well as a performance by Dr. Dhiren Buch.

Sameer Shah and Dr. Jayesh Shah concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognizing donors, participants, volunteers, and dignitaries. Attendees were treated to a complimentary dinner provided by JCSC.