Brian Wilson has personally telephoned at least fifteen of his fans who have donated money to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts via his website. The calls began when a fan doubted the former Beach Boy's involvement in the fundraising and challenged him to call him up, which Wilson promptly did, and promised similar calls to anyone who pledges more than $100, as well as making a pledge to match donations over the one hundred dollar mark. "If we get $10,000, we'll match $10,000," he said.
Wilson said it was "heartbreaking" to see the devastation wrought on Louisiana and Mississippi, after having performed at the JazzFest in New Orleans earlier this year: "I have rarely felt so welcomed in such a wonderful community that has given so much music to so many of us".