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Pepperdine Community Joins Fire Recovery Efforts 

The Pepperdine community gathered on October 24 to join President Benton in honoring the firefighters and rescue officials who worked to protect Pepperdine and Malibu during the fire.

Members of the Pepperdine community have come together to support those impacted by the wildfires that raged through Southern California during the week of October 21.  

The Pepperdine Volunteer Center is coordinating efforts with Pepperdine officials and the City of Malibu to provide assistance to local community members affected by the fire. One of the first planned outreach projects is to help replant the landscaping at nearby Webster Elementary School.

Volunteer initiatives at the School of Law include bringing food to the fire departments that were stationed at Pepperdine during the fire; sending a group of students to San Diego over the winter break to help with clean-up and relief efforts; participating in a clothing drive; providing replacement items for those who lost belongings in the fires, including Pepperdine law professor Bernard James and his family; and assisting the Malibu Presbyterian Church as they attempt to rebuild and replace what they have lost.

The Seaver College Student Government Association (SGA) has offered financial, housing, and moving assistance to the students and faculty who suffered damages to their homes. SGA will also host a barbeque later this month to raise money for charities that benefit fire victims.

In addition to volunteer efforts, Pepperdine has established a fund to aid Malibu fire victims. Contributions to Pepperdine referencing "Malibu Fire Victims" in the check's memo will benefit those impacted by the fire. Contributions may be sent to attention of Pepperdine Advancement. Visitors to any of Pepperdine's bookstores may also make contributions by cash or credit card through the Follett Higher Education Group, which will collect the donations on Pepperdine's behalf.

Pepperdine's 2nd annual Time Out 4 HIV/AIDS Awareness women's basketball tournament will provide an avenue for making direct donations to help the Malibu Presbyterian Church and its recovery efforts. The Waves will take on the Texas-Arlington, Wisconsin, and Missisippi women's basketball teams in games on Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets to the games are $8 (adults) and $5 (65+).

For more information about Pepperdine volunteer efforts to aid those impacted by the Southern California fires, please contact the Pepperdine Volunteer Center at (310) 506-4143 or visit the Pepperdine Volunteer Center Web site.