Community-Led Wildfire Recovery Strengthened by Local Leaders and Key Partnerships

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/. 

The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) was founded in 1953. PCF is a tax-exempt public  charity created by and for the people of the greater Pasadena area. Managing nearly $190  million in charitable assets, PCF works with individuals, families, and organizations to establish  philanthropic funds, create and build endowments, and to distribute charitable gifts to nonprofit  organizations. The Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund is on Philanthropy California’s vetted list  to help direct resources to funds supporting nonprofits active in place-based relief and recovery  efforts.  

The East West Bank Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, and the philanthropic arm  of East West Bank. Through collaborative partnerships, the Foundation’s grants strengthen  communities by supporting initiatives in affordable housing, small business technical assistance,  diversity and anti-discrimination, advocacy, culture & arts, economic development, and other  broad-based causes. In working alongside non-profit partners, the East West Bank Foundation  strives to build bridges of opportunity for everyone to reach further.