Bowling Green attorney Alan Simpson and his band Bueller’s Day Off is planning a fundraiser to benefit those affected by the Tennessee wildfires in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

The event, called Operation Wildfire, will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 29 at Johnetta’s Pub, 327 Greenwood Lane. Organizers ask for a $10 donation at the door, with current and past members of the band performing in celebration of the eight years since the band was formed. 

Simpson has partnered with the American Red Cross, and volunteers will be available that night to collect donations and provide other help, said Jennifer Capps, executive director of the South Central Kentucky Chapter of the Red Cross.

Simpson said the band was looking to do a charity event, and when the fires struck the Gatlinburg area this week, band members noticed there were several local connections and wanted to help. Officials said Friday that 13 people died in the fires that destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in the tourist and resort area in the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

“We wanted to help people that truly have lost everything,” Simpson said. “If they haven’t lost their homes, they’ve maybe lost their job. We just wanted to help in some small way. We always try to look out for our fellow human beings and try to make a difference in the community and this is one way that we can help.”

People who can’t attend the event can donate at redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Those who are interested in giving locally may donate items such as shaving cream and deodorant to benefit local comfort kits for clients in southcentral Kentucky.

“Most of us have been to Gatlinburg and have encountered the people who live there,” Capps said. “It’s touching people personally and (the event) is a great way to do something, reach out and give.”

Johnetta’s Pub owner Johnetta Pryor said she is honored to have the event at her establishment, and that her and her husband enjoy doing charity work. 

“I’m always about a fundraiser if it helps anybody,” Pryor said. “We just feel like we need to help some people out.”

— For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page “Operation Wildfire by Bueller’s Day Off.”

— Follow faith/general assignments reporter Simone C. Payne on Twitter @_SimonePayne or visit bgdailynews.com.