The Los Angeles Lakers announced today that they will make a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross (ARC) Disaster Relief Fund to assist victims of the recent devastating fires in Southern California.

Fans will also have an opportunity to join the Lakers in providing assistance, with those who make a $5 minimum donation to the ARC getting the chance to come down to the Lakers floor at STAPLES Center following tomorrow night’s game, meet members of the Laker Girls and get an autographed Laker Girls photo as well. While fans are strongly encouraged to make their donations by check, payable to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund with ‘2008 California Wildfires’ written in the memo section, cash donations will also be accepted. Contributions will be collected at the top of section 112 after the game and fans will be escorted down to the floor where in order to have time to greet everyone, the Laker Girls will only be able to sign autographs and will not be available for individual photos.

In addition to the proceeds from the Laker Girls meet and greet, the Lakers Youth Foundation will also donate the auction proceeds from the team’s six remaining November home games (Nov. 18-30) to the ARC.

“The recent fires throughout Southern California have brought such devastation to so many people,” said Jeanie Buss, Executive Vice President of Business Operations. “Much help will be needed in the effort to rebuild the lives of those affected by these fires, and we feel fortunate to be able to contribute in this way.”