AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wildfires in Southern California have been raging through scenic mountain hilltops and communities for 16 days, with the threat still looming. Efforts to extinguish these fires have become an international, around-the-clock operation. In response to the devastation, a group of three Austinites quickly organized a fundraiser to support the Los Angeles Food Bank. The trio has been working on this event for the past seven days. “Austin has such a strong connection to California — with people moving from California to Austin and vice versa — I really wanted to showcase that here in Austin, we care about our people,” said Amir Lancaster, co-organizer of the Rockman LA Fires Fundraiser. Lancaster and Sam McCathern, two of the three partners behind the event, are bringing in sponsors, while Amanda Rockman is contributing her baked goods and offering space for Sunday’s fundraiser. Rockman is the chef and owner of Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop, located at 2400 E. Cesar Chavez Street in east Austin. For her, this cause hits close to home. “My sister lives in Alhambra, about seven miles from Los Angeles,” Rockman said. “It’s scary knowing my sister and her family are so close to the fire. I just want them to be safe.” As of Friday morning, nine wildfires are still burning in California, with only one fully contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “We want to make a real impact in the community, support the firefighters out there, and rally Austin,” Lancaster said. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop will host a DJ and donate 10% of the day’s profits to the Los Angeles Food Bank. Several vendors, including La Barbecue, will also donate their profits to the cause. McCathern, who is passionate about fitness, is organizing a three-mile run for participants of all levels. The 2023 deadly wildfires in Maui inspired McCathern to take action. “I lived on Maui for five years. I didn’t even run when I moved there. My first 10K was on Front Street in Lahaina, which is now gone,” McCathern said. “The community gave me something I’m passionate about, which is running. That’s why I set up my own marathon fundraiser in Austin.” McCathern ran 26.1 miles along the Lady Bird Lake Trail, with donations for each mile. He raised nearly $10,000 to support survivors with food and clothing. “I found running in Maui, and to help survivors, it took my time and energy,” McCathern said. That same motivation is driving the trio’s efforts this Sunday. “When ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things, driven by a desire to help others, it’s what makes Austin special,” Rockman said. “That’s what’s so great about Lancaster and McCathern — because of their pure motivation, they’re able to make special things happen.” The Rockman LA Fires Fundraiser is a free event and it’s this Sunday.