"Standing Together: LuskinOIC's Response to the Urban Fire Crisis"

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, a 114-year old nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance health equity for every child in Los Angeles and beyond, today published a letter to supporters highlighting the company’s response to the urban fires.

Dear Friends of Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children,

As our beloved city grapples with the devastating impact of the recent urban fires, our hearts go out to all those who have been affected. The staggering loss—of homes, communities, businesses, and lives—has left an indelible mark on Los Angeles and its people. At LuskinOIC, our most immediate priority is to respond to the urgent needs of our community during this time of crisis. We stand in solidarity with those enduring this immense hardship, including many of our staff, stakeholders, and donors, who have been directly impacted.

In light of these unforeseen challenges, we have made two important decisions: to postpone the 2025 LuskinOIC Gala and to extend the quiet phase of our 2025 Capital Campaign. Below, we outline the reasoning behind each decision.

Redirection of Resources

The LuskinOIC Gala has always been a cherished tradition, bringing together our supporters, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate our mission and advance critical funding for our work. However, at this moment, we feel it is imperative to prioritize the immediate needs of our community above all else, and redirect resources and attention to initiatives that provide relief to affected families, including many in our LuskinOIC family.

Extension of the Quiet Phase of the 2025 Capital Campaign

The quiet phase of our 2025 Capital Campaign serves as a vital opportunity to deepen relationships with our supporters and secure foundational commitments. By extending this phase, we can allocate the necessary time and resources to address the community's most urgent needs, with a particular focus on supporting our most vulnerable populations.

Standing Together for Our Community

Now more than ever, our mission to provide care to children, regardless of their circumstances, resonates deeply. In addition to continuing our core services, we are actively taking the following actions to address the most pressing needs caused by the urban fires:

• Deployment of LuskinOIC Volunteers and Staff: Mobilizing our team to assist in recovery and support efforts where needed.
• Partnering with Nonprofit Organizations: Serving as a distribution center for urgent resources, supplies, and perishables to aid those impacted.
• Establishing Relief Efforts for LuskinOIC Staff and Their Families: Ensuring our own team members and their loved ones have access to the support they need during this challenging time.
• Adopting Altadena Arts Magnet for Targeted Support: Providing focused support to Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary School, where many staff and students have lost their homes and some have sustained burn injuries. The school serves a community of 540 students, 68% of whom qualify for the free lunch program. Our efforts are dedicated to providing essential resources and care to support their recovery and rebuilding journey.

To all our stakeholders, staff, donors, and foundations, we ask for your continued support and understanding. Together, we can navigate these challenges with compassion and resilience, ensuring that every child entrusted to our care receives the attention they deserve.

Thank you for standing with us as we respond to this moment with the empathy and resolve that define the LuskinOIC community. If you have any questions or wish to discuss how you can contribute to our efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out.

With deepest gratitude and sympathy,

Anthony Scaduto, MD

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, CEO & President

About Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC)

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries.

For information, visit luskinoic.org and follow @LuskinOIC.

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