Dialed & Defend, a new charitable initiative, has launched with a commitment from Dialed Labs to donate $250,000 worth of recovery equipment to California fire departments. The initiative, founded by Ali Garawi, aims to provide tools like saunas and ice baths to support the health of first responders across the state.
The genesis of Dialed & Defend traces back to January 2025, when Ali Garawi observed firefighters responding to devastating Los Angeles wildfires. This experience clarified a path for the Garawi brothers, who had built successful wellness ventures with the intent to channel their success into social impact. They realized the critical need for advanced recovery tools among those who protect communities.
By summer 2025, the brothers had launched Dialed Labs, an Orange County-based wellness technology company focused on bringing elite recovery equipment, including saunas, cold plunge tubs, and red light therapy, into homes. With the business positioned for scale, they saw an opportunity to extend these benefits to firefighters.
On December 14, 2025, Ali Garawi hosted an exclusive gathering at his Linda Isle waterfront home. The event marked the official launch of Dialed & Defend, a charitable organization currently pending 501(c)(3) status. The evening brought together Orange County community leaders, wellness entrepreneurs, local fire chiefs, and firefighters in dress uniforms.
Guests at the launch experienced wellness lounges that featured functional botanicals and premium caviar service, alongside live demonstrations of the saunas and ice baths destined for fire stations. Attendees connected directly with firefighters, gaining insight into the daily realities of their work and the importance of recovery technology.
Ali Garawi, Co-Founder and CEO of Dialed Labs and founder of Dialed & Defend, stated the event was designed to "bridge two worlds," bringing together those with resources and those who serve. He emphasized creating a celebratory environment to foster genuine connection and lasting impact, rather than a somber fundraiser.
Before establishing Dialed Labs, the Garawi brothers built Dialed Moods, a botanical wellness brand. Both ventures were founded on the principle of making transformative wellness accessible. From the outset, their entrepreneurial goal included funding social impact, and the observation of firefighters during the Los Angeles fires revealed the cause and moment they had sought.
“We watched firefighters working around the clock during the LA fires, breathing toxic smoke, their bodies breaking down in real time,” Garawi recalled. He noted the irony of building premium recovery equipment for wellness enthusiasts while the firefighters who needed it most lacked access. This insight solidified their commitment to make a difference.
Dialed & Defend was formally established in fall 2025. The initiative addresses the significant long-term health consequences faced by firefighters. Exposure to over 200 carcinogens—such as benzene and formaldehyde—plus heavy metals and hazardous chemicals, accumulates in their bodies over years. The physical demands, including carrying heavy gear and working in extreme heat with sleep deprivation, lead to chronic inflammation and injuries.
These factors, combined with the psychological toll of trauma and high-stakes pressure, often lead to careers cut short by health issues rather than retirement. Dialed & Defend’s solution is to provide the same science-backed recovery tools utilized by professional athletes.
Saunas aid firefighters in detoxification through sweating, helping to eliminate toxic chemicals absorbed during emergency responses before they contribute to cancer or chronic disease. Ice baths work to reduce chronic inflammation from physical strain, accelerate muscle recovery between shifts, and strengthen immune function, thereby keeping firefighters prepared for subsequent calls.
Fountain Valley Fire Station and Pechanga Fire Station have already received and installed equipment provided by Dialed Labs, giving their firefighters access to recovery tools previously unavailable. Ali Garawi reported an encouraging response, with fire chiefs from across Southern California inquiring about receiving equipment for their stations, confirming the widespread need.
Fire departments interested in acquiring equipment can now submit requests through the Dialed & Defend website. The organization will work directly with department leadership to coordinate delivery, installation, and training. The Linda Isle setting for the launch gala reflected the premium quality of the equipment and the level of care intended for first responders.
Garawi emphasized that the event was about celebrating firefighters and demonstrating a tangible way for the community to support them. He noted, “When people see the equipment, understand the science, and meet the firefighters who’ll use it, giving becomes personal.”
The Garawi brothers, first-generation Iraqi-American entrepreneurs, have consistently focused on accessibility through their businesses, from ancient botanicals with Dialed Moods to recovery technology with Dialed Labs. Their approach integrates business success with meaningful social impact.
While the December 14th gala was by invitation, the broader community can support Dialed & Defend through tax-deductible donations, pending the approval of its 501(c)(3) status. Every dollar contributed will fund the purchase and installation of recovery equipment in California fire stations.
Ali Garawi envisions the initial $250,000 commitment as a starting point, with a future goal of ensuring every fire station in California, and eventually nationwide, has access to recovery technology that supports firefighters throughout their careers. “It’s personal now. It’s not just business, it’s a responsibility,” Garawi stated regarding the initiative.
