First Entertainment Credit Union Donates $75,000 to Support California Wildfire Relief Efforts

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, First Entertainment reinforces its commitment by giving financial support to entertainment industry guilds and community organizations for those affected

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Entertainment Credit Union, the premier financial partner for creators and below the line professionals in the entertainment industry, has made a donation of $75,000 to support individuals affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. These funds will provide aid to local industry organizations in their relief efforts as the community heals.

"We are grateful for the guilds and unions that support our members and have stepped up to help those impacted by the Los Angeles fires," said Stephen Owen, president and CEO of First Entertainment Credit Union. "Our mission is to serve the entertainment community, and that means being there to help our members in times of need. These wildfires have changed our city, but they have also demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community. We are committed to assisting the entertainment community heal by providing the financial support they need to recover and rebuild and are grateful to the many partners who are providing this relief."

Organizations who have received these funds:

• The Producers Guild of America (PGA) Members Fund in partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund
• Writer's Guild (WGA) Members Fund in partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund
• The Directors Guild (DGA) Foundation in partnership with the Motion Picture Television Fund
• The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Disaster Relief Fund
• The California Community Fund

"I am inspired by the strength and resolve of the DGA community to help one another at a time of immense need," said Todd Holland, Directors Guild Foundation Chair. "This fund will provide critical resources directly to impacted DGA members as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy."

"When an organization like [First Entertainment] comes together and helps support members of the entertainment industry, it's appreciated," said Susan Sprung, CEO of Producers Guild of America. "Shortly after the fires started, our board called an emergency meeting and immediately started our fund. First Entertainment is helping [to] support that work and the funds will be going to members who have been displaced or lost their homes. The idea that First Entertainment is supporting this effort is just amazing."

"The First Entertainment wildfire relief donation goes directly into The IATSE Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak (WDS) Disaster Emergency Fund which will provide direct financial support for my members in the Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892 who were displaced by the wildfires," said Brigitta Romanov, Executive Director of the Costume Designers Guild. "I called a member who had lost their home [and] told them about the fund. Three days later I had the WDS check in my hand. They burst into tears and [said] it gave them breathing room and support to take the next steps in this incredibly difficult journey. It meant everything that their union was doing this for them."

First Entertainment partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in California, to provide these donations. FHLBank San Francisco is matching funds made by its member financial institutions to nonprofit organizations that provide relief and recovery services to the wildfire-affected communities.

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has recognized First Entertainment's role in assisting homeowners affected by the fires. On January 23, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced commitments from DFPI licensees to offer mortgage relief for wildfire survivors. A list of licensees offering relief measures and support is available on the DFPI's LA Wildfire Mortgage Relief webpage.

First Entertainment would also like to acknowledge the vital role of first responders, volunteers, and the broader community in helping those affected. "We appreciate our members, guilds, and everyone who has stepped up in this time of need. Your dedication has been essential in helping our community rebuild," said Owen. "We are in this together and will continue to stand by our members. Let's continue supporting each other."

About First Entertainment Credit Union
Since 1967, First Entertainment Credit Union has served individuals in the entertainment industry. Headquartered in Hollywood, Calif., First Entertainment provides banking and financial services through its seven branches in Los Angeles County – including the Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount studio lot locations – and manages $2 billion in assets with 228 team members. First Entertainment provides financial solutions to nearly 90,000 members through accessible 24/7 digital banking, unique entertainment-industry financial products, services, and ATMs. For more information about First Entertainment, please visit FirstEnt.org.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.

SOURCE First Entertainment Credit Union