Santa Rosa, CA - The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the nation's largest trade association representing legal marijuana businesses, and its California affiliate, California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) hosted a fundraiser on the evening of Monday, November 6 in support of the Redwood Credit Union's Fire Relief Fund, according to a press release.
Held at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa, over 200 cannabis professionals attended the event along with nearly 30 corporate sponsors, raising $52,415 for fire relief efforts.
The overall mood of the room was that of unity and solidarity with the local community, as many of the attendees were reconnecting for the first time since the fires ravaged the area. The evening featured speakers from several cannabis business organizations, including Aaron Smith of National Cannabis Industry Association, Lindsay Robinson of California Cannabis Industry Association and Hezekiah Allen of California Growers Association. Attendees also heard from Santa Rosa City Council Member Ernesto Olivares and Paul Gullickson, Editorial Director at the Press Democrat, who reviewed the scope of the devastation in the area from the fires.
"The legal cannabis industry is replacing criminal markets with responsible businesses that are invested in the communities in which they operate," said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith. "We are proud to be able to support the victims of the fires as they rebuild their homes and businesses in Sonoma County and the surrounding region."
"We're deeply grateful to the organizations and individuals who have generously donated to the North Bay Fire Relief fund to help support fire survivors and relief efforts in our community," said Matt Martin, Redwood Credit Union's Vice President of Community Relations.
This fundraiser is expected to be one of many hosted by the local cannabis industry in support of various fire relief efforts over the coming months.
Co-hosts of the event included Berkeley Patients Group, Boveda, California Growers Association, CCIA-Sonoma County, Flow Kana, Harborside Health Center, SPARC, and Sonoma County Growers Alliance.
