In Los Angeles, a unique charity event took place on Sunday, where popular figures like Justin Bieber and Steve Carell joined forces with renowned hockey legends including Rob Blake, Mark Messier, Cammi Granato, and Jeremy Roenick. This event, titled “Skate for LA Strong,” aimed to raise funds for recovery efforts related to the severe wildfires that have impacted the region.
The event, hosted at Crypto.com Arena, was organized by the Los Angeles Kings in conjunction with the National Hockey League. These efforts were particularly focused on helping those affected by the Palisades Fire, which has been recorded as the most devastating fire in the history of Los Angeles.
Justin Bieber expressed his hopes for the event, stating, “We’re looking to have a good time and show when we come together, good things happen.” The exhibition featured a four-team tournament, conceived by Luc Robitaille, a Hockey Hall of Famer and the Kings’ President.
Robitaille emphasized the importance of the event, commenting, “We’ve all been touched by what happened last month. We all have friends and family who have faced hardships because of this situation. Being able to contribute and make a significant impact is vital.” The tournament raised funds to support those in need amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.
The team led by actors Vince Vaughn and Cobie Smulders dominated the tournament, winning both of their matches. Jeremy Roenick showcased his skill with two goals and playfully engaged in a mock fight with Bieber during the games.
Roenick reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “This was an incredible celebration of the sport and the bravely of first responders. It was heartwarming to see such support, especially from LA firefighters participating.” Other coaching pairings included Will Ferrell and Snoop Dogg, as well as Danny DeVito with Al Michaels, and Hannah Stocking alongside Andrew Whitworth.
Actor Skylar Astin shared his purpose for participating, saying, “When the Kings invited me to do this, I immediately agreed. I have never put on skates before, but this was something I wanted to be a part of. Living in Malibu, I owe a lot to the firefighters for their efforts in containing the fires.” He also noted the emotional impact of witnessing the destruction firsthand while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. “It’s evident that it will take time for recovery, but I believe in the resilience of LA and its community,” he added.
The event was not only broadcast locally but also aired nationwide on ESPN2. Instead of selling tickets, organizers provided them free of charge to first responders and individuals affected by the wildfires, promoting solidarity and community support.
