Thursday, November 29, 2007

Los Angeles Times Official Fire Relief Media Sponsor


LEGENDARY PERFORMER GARTH BROOKS
TO PLAY LOS ANGELES TO RAISE MONEY FOR
THE RECENT FIRE VICTIMS AND FOR THE FUTURE OF
FIRE FIGHTING IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Tickets Go On-Sale December 1 at 9:00 AM – Procedures Announced

“Southern California 2008 Fire Relief Campaign”
is sponsored by American Express and the Los Angeles Times in Partnership with the McCormick Tribune Foundation



LOS ANGELES (November 28, 2007) – Having been approached by California state elected officials as well as civic leaders from areas affected by recent wildfires, music superstar Garth Brooks has agreed to perform a benefit concert to raise money for the recent fire victims and for the future of fire fighting in the state of California.

Tickets for the January 26, 2008 9:00 PM benefit concert at Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center starring Brooks will be available this Saturday,
December 1 at 9:00 AM.

Tickets priced at $38.60 (plus 1.40 city amusement tax and $5.00 handling charge) for all seats will be available via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone network and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will not be available at the STAPLES Center Box Office or other outlets. There will be a limit of six tickets per person.

Organizers AEG and Garth Brooks announced that all ticket sale proceeds from the concert sponsored by American Express and official media sponsor the Los Angeles Times, will be donated to the “Southern California 2008 Fire Relief Campaign,” a campaign of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The funds will be granted to agencies providing aid to victims and the first responders of the Los Angeles and San Diego wildfires in addition to providing financial assistance to California firefighting departments and
organizations in need of additional or replacement firefighting equipment to better perform their heroic duties. The Foundation will also be responsible for grant administration and recordkeeping.

Concert sponsor American Express announced that their organization will donate $20 for each ticket purchased with an American Express card with a
guaranteed commitment to the fund of $1 million. The McCormick Foundation has also pledged to match the first $2 million raised at 50 cents on the dollar (up to a $1 million match) in addition to promotional support from the Los Angeles Times. AEG has donated the use of STAPLES Center for the night of music starring Brooks who last appeared in Los Angeles in 2001.

“Please let everyone know I hate to ask so much for a ticket but, 100% of the money is going to victims of the recent fires and to the firefighters facing future fires,” said Brooks.

“Garth was extremely aware of what our region has had to endure and was on-board the very moment our City and State leaders requested that he perform,” said Tim Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG. “Having the ability to play a role in helping Californians who have lost their homes and possessions get back on their feet in addition to helping our firefighters, the true heroes to us all, be better prepared to do their jobs was all it took. Those lucky enough to be at STAPLES Center on January 26th will not only experience one of the greatest live performers of all-time but will be joining Garth in helping firefighters and our fellow Californians who are in need.”

“We are eager to partner with Garth Brooks, a dynamic musician and philanthropist, to help revitalize the California communities affected by fire devastation and will donate $20 for every ticket purchased by our cardmembers to further help the cause,” said Rich Lehrfeld, Vice President, Global Sponsorship, American Express.

“The Times is honored to join Garth Brooks, AEG, American Express and the McCormick Tribune Foundation in this effort to bring much needed fire-relief aid to Southern Californians.” said David D. Hiller, Los Angeles Times Publisher and CEO.”

Elected officials on both the state and local levels have already spoken with Brooks to pledge their support for his appearance and tremendous efforts to make this important event a reality.

On behalf of the State of California, Speaker of the State Assembly Fabian Nunez commented, “On behalf of the people of California, I want to thank
Garth Brooks for taking the initiative to provide critical leadership during this time of need. When I spoke to Mr. Brooks last week, he immediately responded and will make a difference in thousands of lives not only now, but in the future by helping fire agencies throughout Southern California.”

“This is an incredible gesture of unparalleled generosity by Garth Brooks for which we are all sincerely grateful. It really counts for a lot as we move forward with the healing and recovery efforts,” commented Zev Yaroslavsky, Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“On behalf of all San Diegans, I commend and thank Garth Brooks, his band, American Express, the Los Angeles Times, McCormick Tribune Foundation and STAPLES Center for making this benefit concert a reality,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “To have a star of Mr. Brooks’ stature dedicate his talent and time to help raise funds for those who lost their homes and to better equip our brave firefighters is truly uplifting.”

"All of Orange County thanks Garth Brooks and appreciates his efforts to bring needed relief to those suffering from the recent fires," said Chris Norby, Orange County Supervisor, Board Chair.

“Garth Brooks is an American music legend, and his benefit concert is going to be a huge boost for the fire relief efforts in Southern California,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane said. “Garth’s efforts will surely gain him some new friends in ‘high places’ here in the San Bernardino Mountains where more than 500 homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent fires.”

"The residents of California owe a debt of gratitude to Garth Brooks for supporting this worthy cause, commented Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “This event will not only benefit the victims of the recent wildfires, but the firefighters who risk their safety to protect our lives and property."

“The recent tragic fires have taken lives and destroyed property in this region, but they have not destroyed the spirit of giving that exists here, commented John F. Tavaglione, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “We are incredibly fortunate to live in Southern California, not only for its environment and active lifestyle, but for its generosity and caring. I’m confident this event, featuring the great Garth Brooks, will raise a lot of money for the victims of these fires and I’m certain it will lift their spirits. Thank you to Garth Brooks and the promoters of this concert, for helping improve the lives of the fire victims.”

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