When disaster strikes, communities come together to help those in need. Santa Anita Park, a well-known horse racing venue, has stepped up in a big way to support the victims of the recent Los Angeles County wildfires. From donation centers to hosting emergency operations, Santa Anita has become a hub for relief efforts.
Donation Center: A Community Lifeline
Santa Anita Park established a donation center last Thursday in its 750,000-square-foot south parking lot. Over 100,000 people have already donated or picked up supplies, including food, clothing, hygiene items, and pet food. The center will remain open until Friday at 9 p.m., serving as a lifeline for those affected by the devastating wildfires.
Supplies Provided
- Non-perishable food
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Clothing and shoes
- Pet food
- Diapers and cellular service
Extended Support in the North Lot
Santa Anita’s relief efforts go beyond the donation center. The north parking lot, measuring over 1 million square feet, is being used as a staging area by Southern California Edison. This space is critical for storing materials and vehicles as Edison works to restore power to nearly 380,000 homes impacted by the fires.
Additionally, Santa Anita is providing space for FEMA contractors and local schools to support the recovery process. These efforts highlight the track’s dedication to helping the community rebuild.
Santa Anita Employees Join the Effort
Pete Siberell, Santa Anita’s director of community service and special projects, shared the track’s commitment to helping those in need. “Many of our employees, horsemen, and racing patrons have lost everything,” he said. “We want to provide as much of our space, staff, and resources as we can during this long recovery.”
The team at Santa Anita has shown incredible compassion, working tirelessly to support wildfire victims and first responders alike.
Resuming Horse Racing Amid Recovery
Despite the challenges, Santa Anita is preparing to host five straight days of live horse racing, starting Thursday. This includes a special Martin Luther King Jr. holiday race on Monday. While racing resumes, the park remains committed to aiding wildfire relief efforts, proving that community support and entertainment can coexist during difficult times.
Continuing Commitment to Recovery
Santa Anita plans to keep supporting wildfire recovery for weeks and months to come. By offering space and resources to FEMA and other organizations, the track is ensuring that relief efforts can reach as many people as possible.
Santa Anita Park’s response to the Los Angeles County wildfires is a powerful example of community resilience. From donation centers to long-term recovery support, the track has stepped up to help those in need. As live racing resumes, Santa Anita remains a vital resource for relief efforts, proving that even in times of crisis, compassion and teamwork can shine through.
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