A Katonah woman will host a fundraiser this weekend to raise donations for organizations battling the fires and aiding wildlife in Australia.

Mellisa Eathorne, an office manager at Armonk Veterinary Hospital, recalls what her home country used to look like, saying in part, “It’s just one of the most beautiful places in Australia that I think I’ve ever been."

Since September, about 1 billion animals have been killed due to the out-of-control fires.

"The whole country is on fire. It’s so hard to talk about and not cry," says Eathorne. "Even if they survive all of the fires, being able to create a population where they already existed I think is going to be the next challenge."

Eathorne has teamed up with Foleys Club Lounge in Pleasantville to organize a charity event that she hopes will make a difference from a distance.

"Everybody knows it’s happening, everybody knows we need help and I think mostly the reception that I’ve got is, ‘I want to help, I just don’t know how,’” shared Eathorne.

Her hope is for Hudson Valley residents to support in large numbers to help the country rise from the ashes.

News 12 is told the fundraiser will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 11 with a band performing for attendees at 9 p.m. 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to those combatting the fires and assisting with aiding the wildlife.