ONE805’S “ROCK FOR FIRST RESPONDERS” RAISES $300K

Rock for First Responders proved to be an emotional and powerful evening that raised $300,000 to support mental wellness programs for First Responders in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, as well as musicians who have lost their livelihoods due to recent disasters.

A Night of Music, Generosity & Healing

The concert, held at The Granada Theatre on March 8th, came together in just five weeks after a conversation between Glen Phillips and Kirsten Cavendish Weston Smith, who felt compelled to act swiftly.

“When Glen asked if we should do something, my immediate response was, ‘Let’s do it.’ We booked the theater before we had talent lined up, but the support came flooding in,” recalled Cavendish Weston Smith. Glenn Phillips reached out to Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish, who was in London at the time. Without hesitation, Rucker and his 18-member band and crew flew in to donate their time and talent to the cause. The evening also featured performances by Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, and Glen Phillips, creating a lineup of legendary artists who united for the mission.

A highlight of the night was a moving duet between Darius Rucker and Glen Phillips, performing “Three Little Birds”—a Bob Marley song that resonated deeply with the audience. “Music has always been a healing force,” said Cavendish Weston Smith. “This event wasn’t just a concert; it was a moment for our community to stand together, to remember what we’ve lost, and to find strength in one another.”

Extraordinary Contributions & Community Support

The evening’s live auction featured three exclusive guitars, raising significant funds for the cause:

• Two Fender guitars, generously donated by Hootie & the Blowfish drummer Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, whose family includes first responders.
• A special One805 guitar, custom-designed by Taylor Guitars, signed by the entire band.

More than 300 complimentary tickets were provided to First Responders, allowing them to enjoy the night alongside their community. Many shared personal stories of how One805’s Mental Wellness Programs had directly impacted their lives.

“Our strike teams included 25 representatives, and so many of them told us they had personally used our mental wellness program,” said Cavendish Weston Smith. “Knowing that this funding will go directly back into helping them makes this all worth it.”

Major Contributions from Local Partners

The event’s success was made possible by the generosity of local businesses:

• Hotel accommodations were provided by El Encanto and The Canary for visiting musicians.
• Wine for all 1,500 attendees was donated by Foley, Folded Hills, and Babcock.
• Tequila was donated by Los Nostros.
• Food and beverages were included as part of the ticket price, ensuring all guests could fully enjoy the experience.

Supporting First Responders & Musicians in Need

The $300,000 raised will be distributed in the form of grants to directly fund:

• Mental Wellness Programs for First Responders in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
• Emergency Support Grants for musicians who lost their homes and livelihoods.

“The grief and loss in our community is real,” Cavendish Weston Smith shared. “Our First Responders have been tasked with unimaginable duties, from disaster response to recovery efforts. At the same time, musicians—who bring joy to our lives—have faced devastating personal and professional losses. Our goal was to provide relief, hope, and tangible support. Thanks to our incredible donors, that mission is now being fulfilled.”

With the overwhelming success of Rock for First Responders, One805 remains committed to its mission: supporting those who serve, protecting those in crisis, and strengthening the community through the power of music and generosity.