JANUARY 14, 2025
Pasadena, CA — The Pasadena Community Foundation, joined by Assemblymember John Harabedian (District 41) and Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo, announced today a $250,000 grant from the East West Bank Foundation to support long-term wildfire recovery efforts through its Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. This fund is solely dedicated to aiding community members most affected by the Eaton Fire and supporting nonprofits providing critical disaster-related services.
“This fund was created to respond swiftly to the immediate needs of those affected by the fire while also addressing the long-term challenges they face. With the support of the East West Bank Foundation and the generosity of our community, we’re ensuring that aid reaches where it is most needed,” said Jennifer Fleming DeVoll, President and CEO of the Pasadena Community Foundation.
“As a long-time resident, I’ve witnessed the resilience and spirit of our Pasadena community in the face of challenges. These fires have deeply impacted many of our colleagues, customers and friends—people I’ve come to know well,” said Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank. “This donation to the Pasadena Community Foundation is a first step in helping our community begin to heal and move forward. We are committed to standing alongside our neighbors and will continue to find ways to support the recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
“This grant is a testament to the unwavering strength of our community and the deep-rooted support we have from our local businesses and nonprofits,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian, District 41. “As a lifelong resident of this region, I cannot thank the East West Bank Foundation and Pasadena Community Foundation enough for helping us make strides to restore what was lost and recover from the devastation of the wildfire.”
“As Mayor of Pasadena, I am deeply moved by how our city, its partners, and its people are coming together in the face of the ongoing Eaton Fire,” said Mayor Victor M. Gordo. “Our priority is addressing the immediate needs of those impacted while laying the foundation for a strong recovery. The leadership and support of the East West Bank Foundation and the Pasadena Community Foundation demonstrate the power of collaboration and reflect the values that bind our community. Together, we will navigate this challenging time and ensure no one is left behind.”
“As someone who has personally experienced the loss of my home in the Eaton Fire, I understand the profound challenges our community is facing. Despite the heartbreak, I’ve been deeply moved by the strength, resilience, and generosity of our neighbors. Together, through initiatives like the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund and organizations like the East West Bank Foundation, we are not just rebuilding homes—we are rebuilding hope and reaffirming the values that unite us as a community,” said Victoria Knapp, Chair of the Altadena Town Council.
The Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, managed by the Pasadena Community Foundation, will focus both on supporting nonprofits that provide essential and immediate aid to those affected by the fire – including temporary shelter, food, medical care, and emergency childcare – and on long-term recovery efforts. The Foundation’s Board has already approved an initial grant of $100,000 to support these efforts, with additional resources being mobilized as community needs evolve. More details on the Eaton Fire Fund can be found at https://pasadenacf.org/donate/.