$3,500 for Joe's 35: Raise $$ For LA & World Central Kitchen

My name is Joseph Olender. I am a born-and-raised Angelino, from yes, the 626 -- Arcadia / Pasadena / Sierra Madre (parents still live there) -- living in NYC for the last few years, stuck watching the horror of the LA fires unfold, helplessly, thousands of miles away. I have a birthday coming up in a few days, and thought I might try to use it to do some good.

The devastation unfolding in Altadena, The Palisades, and across my beloved hometown of Los Angeles has been utterly heartbreaking. So many people I know personally, as well as friends and family of those I hold dear, have lost everything. The scale of loss and need is staggering — matched only by the extraordinary outpouring of generosity and love that has risen to meet it.

For my 35th birthday, I am turning the spotlight to World Central Kitchen, an incredible organization run by an inspiring founder: Chef Jose Andres, and reaching out to my networks to raise funds for its mission in Los Angeles and beyond.

Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, WCK is there—on the ground and in the heart of the crisis—serving hot meals to anyone in need. Right now, they’re in Los Angeles, providing meals to firefighters, first responders, evacuees, and those directly affected by the tragedy all day, and all night.

Their plan is to stay in LA as long as they’re needed. And when the next call inevitably comes, they’ll move forward once again—into war zones, disaster areas, or emergencies—with hot food and helping hands in tow.

More than ever, we need to look for helpers. Chef Andres and WCK are the best of us.

Let’s join them in bringing hope, comfort, and relief to those who need it most.

Note: Every penny donated will go straight to World Central Kitchen via GoFundMe's PayPal Giving Fund. You will receive a receipt from "PayPal Giving Fund."

Photo Note: Yes that is my dad, throwing up an "LA" at our wedding in October...