Foothill Family 7th Annual ‘Pass the Hat’ Luncheon Shines Light on Care Gap

In a bid to address the growing mental health crisis in Southern California, a local nonprofit is turning to an old-fashioned fundraising tactic: passing the hat.

Foothill Family, which provides mental health and social services to underserved communities, will host its 7th annual “Pass the Hat” luncheon at NOOR Pasadena. The event, scheduled for October 16, aims to raise money and awareness for programs that many residents desperately need but struggle to access.

“As the need for mental health services rises at an unprecedented rate, access remains a significant barrier for many in underserved communities,” said Steve Allen, CEO of Foothill Family. “Foothill Family is committed to breaking down these barriers by providing accessible and equitable care.”

The fundraiser comes at a critical moment. Experts say the pandemic has worsened mental health issues across the country, with low-income areas hit particularly hard. Yet these same communities often lack adequate resources for treatment.

The luncheon, beginning at 11:30 a.m., will bring together community members and supporters to celebrate the power of community, share the impact of Foothill Family’s work, and engage in a friendly fundraising competition. Attendees will enjoy networking, live music, and client testimonials highlighting the organization’s services.

In keeping with tradition inspired by the agency’s founder Josephine Marsh, the event will feature a friendly fundraising challenge. Each table will participate in a 4-minute competition, echoing the spirit of giving that has defined Foothill Family since its inception nearly a century ago. Those unable to attend can still donate to their teams before or during the event.

This year’s luncheon will also recognize Priscilla Hunt, CEO of Hunt Enterprises, Inc., for her significant contributions to Foothill Family and other Southern California institutions. Hunt, a business leader, philanthropist, and matriarch of the Hunt, Moore, Pajarillo family, has been instrumental in fueling the organization’s mission to uplift and empower underserved children and families.

Proceeds from the event will support Foothill Family’s range of programs, including mental health services, early childhood development programs, school-based therapy, and youth and family support initiatives. These services aim to strengthen families and communities across Southern California.

Foothill Family, founded in 1926, has earned a reputation for providing high-quality services aimed at achieving brighter futures for individuals and families. The organization’s programs encompass mental health and school-based services for children, early childhood development, parent education, child abuse prevention and treatment, domestic violence prevention and treatment, and services for pregnant and parenting teens.

For more information or to attend the event, visit foothillfamily.org or contact donate@foothillfamily.org or (626) 993-3636.