Rally Way’s Afterburn: Ashes to Aid Event Raises Funds for Wildfire Victims

In the wake of the devastating LA wildfires, the automotive community came together in a show of support for those affected. The Afterburn: Ashes to Aid charity rally—organized by Rally Way and its fundraising arm, Weissach Rally—raised funds for ongoing relief efforts. The charity event brought together car enthusiasts, including participants supported by Hemmings, the world’s largest collector car marketplace.

Drivers in the rally departed from Pasadena, traveled through the burn zones of Altadena and concluded their journey along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. This carefully designed route allowed drivers to witness the scale of the devastation firsthand while honoring those affected.

The nearly $5,000 raised from the event will provide gift cards to displaced families, allowing them to purchase essential items lost in the fires. While Rally Way has been actively distributing supplies, many victims have expressed that what they need most is the flexibility to replace lost belongings in a way that best fits their individual circumstances.

Rally Way’s Mission

Rally Way, founded in 2023 by Omar Taylor, initially focused on supporting at-risk youth through the power of the car community. However, after being displaced due to the Altadena fire, Taylor expanded the organization’s mission to include disaster relief efforts indefinitely. Through Rally Way, the team has since been sourcing and distributing essential supplies—including brand-new clothing, food and furniture—while working with real estate professionals to help victims find new homes.

“This rally is deeply personal for me. Seeing the neighborhood I grew up in reduced to ash during the Altadena fire and now living out of a hotel has been an overwhelming experience, but the support from this community has been incredible,” said Taylor. “This event is not only a rallying cry but a gift and a love letter from the community to those who were displaced to show them that they are not forgotten and supported. The car community has the power to do more than fuel passion; it can fuel impact.”

For Jessica Bryant, program director of Rally Way, the rally was more than just an event—it was a call to action. “The moment I saw the news about the devastating fires in Los Angeles, I immediately booked a one-way flight from New York, knowing I had to help. Since then, Omar and I have been working tirelessly to source essential supplies and connect directly with displaced survivors to understand their most urgent needs.”

This rally is just the beginning. Rally Way and Weissach Rally plan to host ongoing events to continue raising funds and awareness for wildfire relief efforts.

Industry Support

This event was further made possible through the generosity of the automotive community. Hemmings proudly sponsored 10 participants, amplifying the rally’s mission to make a difference.

“Seeing organizations like Hemmings step up to be part of this effort means the world—not just to me, but to every survivor we’re trying to help. This rally is a reminder that no one has to go through this alone,” said Taylor.