SFCM Students Raise $5,000 for LA Wildfire Relief with Benefit Concert
Students raised $5,000 in donations for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles with the concert.
A Pre-College student plays piano in the Bowes Center.
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles, SFCM’s Pre-College students decided to help.
Co-Presidents of the Pre-College Student Council Ariel Chien and Irene Hwang, along with Community Engagement Chairs Garrick Chau and Chloe So, put together a benefit concert to raise money for victims of the wildfire who lost their home and possessions. Their original goal was $1,500, but the concert actually tripled that amount—and then some—raising $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ initiative.
Jiho Seo and Esteban Castellant Heriz.
"The Pre-College Student Council has always organized annual benefit concerts, but this one felt especially meaningful,” Ariel says. “Although the planning process was more rushed than usual, spanning merely two weeks, it was incredible to see our students come together, whether volunteering to perform at the concert or working behind the scenes. We’re grateful to receive overwhelming support from the community."
From left: Pre-College students Chloe So, Garrick Chau, Ariel Chien, and Irene Hwang.
She continued, "our hearts especially go out to the fellow musicians and students in Southern California affected by these fires—those who have lost their homes, schools, instruments and other invaluable belongings."
Chloe adds, “This was really important because we were able to bring everyone together and support these communities through music.”
Performers included students from the Pre-College’s Voice, Piano, Guitar, Winds, Violin, and Cello departments. Closing the evening was Ava Pakiam, who has already been lauded as a violin star and has performed with the Oakland, Seattle, Olympia, and Stockton symphonies.
Ava Pakiam and Cole Anderson.
“I have close family in LA, and though they are unharmed, I have been following the wildfire status closely,” Garrick notes. He was actually performing at Carnegie Hall when the organizing of the concert got underway, and adds, “It was a great team effort to put this together in less than 2 weeks, with overwhelming support from the performers, our staff, and the love of our community. I sincerely hope these funds will help the wildfire victims to rebuild their homes. After all, home is where the heart is, and I believe music is a bridge from our homes to our hearts.”
Learn more about SFCM’s Pre-College.