Music, Community and Martial Arts Champion a Surge in Resilience-Focused Fundraising
Philanthropy in the US sees a new rhythm with cultural events supporting disaster recovery. A community unites through music and martial arts for resilience.
Philanthropy in the United States is finding a new rhythm, with a sharp rise in fundraising events that blend live music, community spirit and cultural activities to support post-disaster recovery. This year’s Giving USA report describes resilient philanthropy led by “better than expected recovery of key philanthropic giving indicators”, with disaster recovery and community resilience initiatives playing a starring role. Communities struck by unforeseen catastrophes increasingly look to creative, communal events – uniting around shared experiences and collective healing – as vital steps in their recovery journey.
The upcoming Phoenix Dojo Gala in Santa Monica on 17 May is a striking example of this movement. Marking the 43rd anniversary of Gerry Blanck’s martial arts studio, which was destroyed in the recent Palisades wildfires along with the homes of 180 students and families, the event pairs martial arts with music and fundraising to both rebuild and honour resilience. Here, community resilience is not just a framework but a lived, shared mission.
Music and Martial Arts: Building Blocks of Community Resilience
One of the most powerful moments of the gala will be a live performance by Kendra Erika, a Billboard Top 10 artist whose new single ‘Dance in the Fire’ has become an anthem of survival. Erika captures the event’s spirit perfectly: ‘Performing “Dance in the Fire” at The Phoenix Dojo Gala means more to me than words can express. This song was written for moments like this, when a community chooses hope over heartbreak. As the lyrics say, “We dance in fire just to show how far we can go… and in the darkness, that’s how we know we’ll be fine.” That spirit of resilience is exactly what this night is about.’ The single’s new lyric video, which features stark visuals of the fire’s aftermath, stands as a poignant tribute to those who lost so much yet refuse to let tragedy have the final word.
Kendra Erika’s performance is far from an isolated gesture. Music has long proven its worth in supporting community resilience and disaster recovery. According to resilience researchers, projects such as the Grenfell Tower survivor music initiatives and communal singing events have shown music to be a powerful vehicle for collective healing and preserving community memory. After a crisis, artists often serve as ‘second responders’, offering emotional first aid and helping communities process grief and envision rebuilding.
Fundraising Shifts: Community Resilience in Action
Traditional charity dinners have given way to experiential, purpose-driven gatherings like the Phoenix Dojo Gala. This reflects a wider trend identified by the 2024 Giving USA findings: the highest growth in giving came from foundations and community funds directing their resources towards sustainable rebuilding and resilience projects. Digital fundraising, peer-to-peer campaigns and direct community initiatives now span the donorscape (Angeletti Group, 2024). Effective events in this sector are about shared journeys rather than passive charity – a subtle but significant change.
What makes the Phoenix Dojo Gala outstanding is how it draws directly from its community’s recovery needs. As Gerry Blanck, the dojo’s founder and sensei, puts it: ‘So many of our students have lost not only their dojo but also their homes. This gala isn’t just about a comeback, it’s about standing together and giving our kids a place to heal, grow, and rise stronger.’ The fundraiser will fuel not only the rebuilding of the dojo itself but also provide scholarships and sponsor future community health and wellness gatherings.
Why Music, Culture and Sport Matter in Post-Disaster Recovery
Research shows that martial arts programmes can be a crucial part of processing trauma after disasters. One study found that martial arts training boosts self-efficacy, fosters community belonging and helps participants transform feelings of inadequacy into confidence and resilience (Walden University, 2019). This aligns with leading approaches in community resilience, where practical activities, shared cultural rituals and opportunities for meaningful participation help achieve lasting recovery.
Across the globe, disaster-impacted communities are increasingly adopting community resilience frameworks that blend practical rebuilding with emotional and cultural healing (Wilson Center, 2017). Such initiatives foster ‘bounce back’ – or in many cases, ‘bounce forward’ – outcomes: communities emerge more cohesive, creative and resourceful than before. The Phoenix Dojo’s approach embodies this, putting music, martial arts and shared purpose at the centre of their recovery process.
The Broader Community Resilience Trend
Search trends reflect a growing public interest in ‘community resilience’, community resilience programmes, and the practical examples of communities coming together after catastrophic events. The phrase receives over 1,000 monthly searches in the United States alone, highlighting a robust public appetite for stories of practical, collective healing. These stories offer concrete hope – case studies rather than vague ideals – showing how residents and supporters from all walks of life can rebuild together (DataForSEO, 2025).
The Phoenix Dojo Gala will also feature awards, auctions, and a line-up of surprises, all carefully designed to uplift participants and sustain a long-term recovery. Hosted by Peter Madrigal of “Vanderpump Rules” fame, alongside local business partners, this event is more than a gala – it’s a working model of how music, culture and sport can knit a community’s resilience framework together, creating practical support systems that last.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Resilience-Driven Philanthropy
The implications reach well beyond one gala or one city. As climate-related disasters continue to affect more communities, the lessons from places like the Phoenix Dojo will become increasingly vital for other organisations seeking to build their own community resilience programmes. While every tragedy is unique, the collective response can serve as a beacon for others: when cultural identity, creative expression and compassionate solidarity come together, communities can indeed ‘dance in the fire’ – not just surviving, but thriving in the face of adversity. It seems fitting that this rising trend in philanthropic events is being marked not with a sense of mere restoration, but a genuine celebration of how far collective resilience can take us.
