On Jan. 24, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin and spouse, Lisa Cronin, presented a check for $360,513 to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Conejo Valley Victims Fund and the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort. Speaking on behalf of the City at the presentation at the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks City Hall and accepting the donation on behalf of the Ventura County Community Foundation President were Rob McCoy, City of Thousand Oaks Mayor, and Ventura County Community Foundation President & CEO Vanessa Bechtel. Also in attendance at the presentation were Eddie Money; John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting; City of Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Tim Hagel; Ventura County Fire Department Battalion Chief Darin Anderson; City of Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Director Barry McComb; and manager of REO Speedwagon Tom Consolo of TC Management.
The donation consists of the proceeds from REO Speedwagon’s Kavli Theatre performances on Sat. Jan. 12 and Sun. Jan. 13 in Thousand Oaks, along with related donations. REO Speedwagon, which features several longtime local residents, announced in November that proceeds from their Kavli Theatre concerts would benefit those affected by the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained at the mass-shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, and the loss of life and property from the devastating Woolsey and Hill fires.
The members of REO Speedwagon called on their talented friends to create a moving night of music to help heal the stricken community. The sold-out benefit concerts featured special guests Richard Marx, John Ondrasik, Eddie Money (Jan. 13 only) and support act Sir, Please (featuring Cronin’s sons Josh and Shane), with opening act the Troy Tones (Cronin’s daughter Holly). Additionally, numerous first responders and victims of both tragic events were invited to meet with the artists following Sunday’s performance.
To donate to the Ventura County Community Foundation, visit vccf.org/donate/conejo-valley-victims-fund/ and vccf.org/donate/hill-fire-and-woolsey-fire-sudden-and-urgent-needs-effort/.
