Cash from the Ash

More than 300,000 people descended on Bella Vista, the sprawling Summerland estate of polo playing hotel magnate Pat Nesbitt and his wife, Ursula, for One805’s Kick Ash Bash to honor first responders while raising much-needed funds for emergency equipment and relief efforts in the wake of the Thomas Fire and the devastating January mudslides.

The brainchild of Eric Phillips, Sheila Herman, and Pat Smith – all friends, evacuated from their homes because of the fire that burned more than 300,000 acres – was a music lover’s delight with live performances from Alan Parson & Friends, Kenny Loggins, Wilson Phillips, Steve Vai, Richard Marx, The Sisterhood Band with Rod Stewart‘s 30-year-old daughter, Ruby, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Dishwalla, Glen Phillips, Don Johnson, and Billy Baldwin, while political pundit and comedian Dennis Miller emceed, all of whom waived their normal fees.

There was even a surprise performance by Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry, who decided at the last minute to sing a medley of her hits at the gridlocked event, as well as cameo video pieces from local Rob Lowe, singer Brad Paisley, and actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Among the attendees were Jane Seymour, Ellen DeGeneres, and Portia de Rossi.

One of the most poignant moments was when Lauren Cantin, 14, who was dramatically rescued from a mountain of mud when her house was flattened, sang “God Bless America” with students from Janet Adderley’s Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre in memory of her late father, David, 49, and 16-year-old brother Jack, who is still missing.

A committee from the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance will decide how the monies raised, around $2 million, will be divided among the three objectives: a fun day off for first responders free of charge, funds for 1/9 survivors through Direct Relief, and funds for At-Ease, a private counseling service for first responders.

“It’s really a collaborative process for those of us serving on One805’s beneficiary community,” says SB fire chief Pat McElroy. “Essentially, we are taking off our badges and saying, ‘Okay, what does the community need most?'”

Youngsters were also included in the fun and frolics with a dedicated area featuring cast members Emily Skinner, Molly Jackson, and Luke Mulle from the hit Disney show Andi Mack, a Sea Center touch tank, Search & Rescue dogs, face painting, Duncan the Dinosaur, Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, three helicopters, two fire engines, and a squad car.

In the evening, the party transitioned to an after-bash with Santa Barbara reggae band Iration headlining as they were joined by David Crosby, Robby Krieger of The Doors, Caverns, The Feal, and DJs Zeke Monarrez, Suzanne Boisvert, and Matt Moore.

“There is a lot of need in the community right now,” says Eric. “One805 is a great option for those who want their contributions to have wide-reaching and lasting impact. We are letting those who serve on the front lines determine the best use of the funds we have raised.” (All Kick Ash photos provided by Priscilla)

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