PRESS RELEASE
The global emergency response nonprofit, co-founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, debuted its marquee fundraiser in the organization’s hometown of LA to raise critical funds for disaster response and long-term recovery efforts for vulnerable communities around the world.
CORE’s Afterglow live music series will continue in December during Miami Art Basel.
LOS ANGELES – September 16, 2026 – CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) – the global humanitarian organization dedicated to empowering communities in and beyond crisis – brought together music, community and purpose for its inaugural Afterglow Los Angeles Benefit Event on Tuesday, September 15. The evening raised funds in support of the organization’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts around the world, including Los Angeles, still rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires, and Venezuela, following back-to-back earthquakes that struck the country in June.
Hosted by Haitian-American actress and Executive Producer Garcelle Beauvais — a longtime CORE advocate who also serves on the Afterglow Host Committee, the event featured a high-energy performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees FOREIGNER, followed by an afterparty performed by country pop-star Stella Lefty and DJ sets from Two Friends and Nikki Kynard. Afterglow LA is supported by an illustrious host committee including Bradley Cooper, Casey Affleck, David Geffen, Garcelle Beauvais, Jason Segel and Kayla Radomski, Jeremy Strong, Jewel, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Sharon Stone.
“Afterglow is a reflection of what has always been at the heart of CORE — the belief that lasting recovery is only possible when we come together as a community,” said Ann Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of CORE. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in Los Angeles and lent their voice and support to this work. We’re excited to carry the momentum from this incredible evening forward as Afterglow continues to Miami, bringing even more people together in support of communities on the long road to recovery.”
Ann was joined on stage by Venezuelan actress and longtime CORE partner Patricia Velasquez, founder of the Wayuu Taya Foundation, with whom CORE is working in collaboration to bring families back home after the Venezuelan earthquakes. Patricia gave moving remarks about the devastation she witnessed in the immediate aftermath, reflecting on the powerful partnership with CORE, the impact of their work together, and the importance of continued support for communities facing crises around the world.
The program concluded with a headline performance by FOREIGNER, who brought the crowd to their feet to sing along to fan-favorite hits including “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded” and “Feels Like the First Time.” The band also generously donated a signed Gibson guitar to support CORE’s fundraising goals. The celebration continued when Stella Lefty took the stage for a captivating performance, bringing her fresh sound and energy to a rendition of “Landslide” before closing with her hit single “Boston.”
The evening brought together an influential mix of celebrities, athletes, philanthropists, and community leaders, including Evan Ross, Harry Jowsey, Gal Tshnieder, Lauren Taschen, Liza Soberano, Vincent Mason, Alexis Oakley, Soni Nicole Bringas, and more, united in support of CORE’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts.
Afterglow LA underscored CORE’s commitment to remaining in communities long after the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Proceeds from the evening will help sustain CORE’s long-term response and recovery efforts, including support for families still rebuilding following the Los Angeles wildfires, as well as communities impacted by Hurricane Helene in Georgia and North Carolina, Hurricane Melissa in Haiti and Jamaica, the earthquakes in Venezuela, and the ongoing crises in Syria and Sudan.
The LA event is part of CORE’s Afterglow live music series, which harnesses the power of music and community to generate critical support for disaster response and long-term recovery. The next Afterglow event will take place in Miami, timed to Miami Art Basel, and will once again bring together artists, supporters and partners around a shared commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild and become more resilient in the face of crisis.
Founded after the 2010 Haiti earthquake by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a global humanitarian organization that empowers underserved communities in and beyond crisis. CORE’s community-powered work is informed and fueled by local hands. When crisis strikes, we listen, we learn, and we act to quickly fill gaps, mobilize resources, and develop long-term recovery solutions. With a focus on equity, CORE provides critical relief to marginalized and vulnerable people, from Syria and Sudan to hurricane-ravaged states across the U.S. and beyond. Learn more about CORE’s work at www.coreresponse.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
