The Amgen Foundation has pledged $500,000 to support victims of the local wildfires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, Amgen announced Monday.

The Amgen Foundation will select recipient non-profit organizations based on relief effort needs.

In addition, the Amgen Foundation has committed $250,000 to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Conejo Valley Victims Fund to support the victims, families and organizations providing support after the recent Thousand Oaks shooting tragedy.

“Our community has endured significant tragedy with the recent senseless nightclub shooting, as well as another series of wildfires that have resulted in devastating damage and impact to our staff,” said Cynthia M. Patton, chief compliance officer at Amgen and chair of the Amgen Foundation Board of Directors.

“We are committed to assisting in relief and support efforts and applaud the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect and serve our communities,” Patton said. “The Amgen Foundation will also match donations made by Amgen staff around the globe who wish to contribute their own funds to qualifying relief efforts and the Conejo Valley Victims Fund.”

About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators, and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $250 million to local, regional, and international nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen Scholars, Amgen Biotech Experience, and Amgen Teach. For more information, visit www.AmgenInspires.com and follow us on Twitter @AmgenFoundation.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow www.twitter.com/amgen.