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Garth Brooks Teams Up For Concert To Benefit Southern California After The Fires


LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — 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.

Organizers AEG and Garth Brooks announced that all ticket sale proceeds
from the concert on January 26th 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 firerelief aid to Southern Californians.” said David D. Hiller, Los Angeles
Times Publisher and CEO.”

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.”

CBS will air a live portion from one of Garth Brooks' five upcoming concerts in Los Angeles on Jan. 25. The one-hour special, which will be taken from his third concert at the Staples Center that day, is titled Garth Brooks: Live in L.A.!. He will also perform two concerts there on Jan. 26, after selling 85,000 tickets in less than an hour. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Southern California 2008 Fire Intervention Relief Effort (FIRE). Viewers may also donate to the organization during the concert broadcast. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers