Snap CEO Evan Spiegel penned a heartfelt note to his hometown of Los Angeles and employees following the Palisades Fire, which he revealed destroyed his father’s home — the original headquarters for Snapchat (see photo above). The social media app co-founder also pledged $5 million and counting toward wildfire relief efforts.
“Dear Los Angeles, I love you,” the statement began, in part a love letter to the affluent oceanside neighborhood in which he was raised. “I grew up in Pacific Palisades. I covered street after street on my Razor scooter. I knew the tall, old trees by heart and had my favorites. My Mom lived on Alma Real, my Dad on Toyopa. Mom’s house is miraculously still there, covered in ash. Dad’s is gone, burned to the ground on live TV. And we were the lucky ones. Everyone is safe.”
Spiegel went on to describe the impact on his approximately 2,000-person team based in Santa Monica, saying that 150 members have been displaced (not counting their loved ones), which includes those forced out due to home loss, evacuation orders or warnings. The company is offering support, including with accommodations and travel, and has opened up its office in Santa Monica to those who need it.
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“Los Angeles, my heart breaks for you, and yet I love you even more,” Spiegel wrote. “This melting pot of creativity, innovation, and storytelling. This city of angels, who, covered in soot, are already beginning again. For each looter, thousands upon thousands are giving their time, their treasure and their prayers. For every coward, there is courage overflowing. For each finger pointed in blame, thousands of hands are hard at work to heal and bring hope.”
Along with co-founder Bobby Murphy, Spiegel said the donation has been divvied up among the following organizations: After the Fire USA, American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, CCF Wildlife Recovery Fund, Direct Relief, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, United Way Wildlife Response Fund, Watch Duty and World Central Kitchen.
“Los Angeles, we are here for the long haul,” he said. “For the rebuild and whatever comes after. And we are here to help. Snap, Bobby, and I have already disbursed $5 million in immediate aid and we will do more. We are feeding evacuees and first responders and offering free space. We’re listening to experts on megafire recovery and learning every day what more we can do and how we can rise to the challenge. We want to collaborate and build together with you.”
