Speaking ahead of the event, Gómez said United Way’s partnership has helped bolster the college’s mission to train local residents in construction and skilled trades to support long-term rebuilding efforts. He cited Pasadena City College’s Summer Academy, which currently serves 80 high school students in hands-on construction coursework, with additional training options planned for the fall, spring and following summer.
“We have important programs that are preparing the workers and the skilled tradespeople who are going to help rebuild our community,” Gómez said.
The WalkUnitedLA event will channel part of its proceeds toward Phase 2 of United Way’s Wildfire Response Fund, which is distributing $1.8 million in support of disaster recovery and rebuilding. The funding complements public assistance and supports housing and economic solutions through the Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County. It also provides multilingual legal workshops, insurance and tenant support clinics, and access to fiscal assistance.
Gómez said the alignment between Pasadena City College’s training initiatives and United Way’s broader mission of equity, access and rebuilding in Los Angeles County is “deeply meaningful,” especially for communities hit hardest by the Jan. 7 wildfires, including Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre.
“We are grateful that the United Way has made us not just a part of the event by having a team there, but also by investing in our community,” Gómez said.
As part of its multi-year recovery strategy, United Way is funding six community-based organizations to lead rebuilding efforts: Bet Tzedek, NAACP Pasadena, Dena Heals, My Tribe Rise, LA Voice and the Kounkuey Design Initiative. These groups will offer pro bono legal aid, trauma-informed healing programs, tenant rights advocacy and community mapping.
Gómez urged students and alumni to turn out for WalkUnitedLA and show support for neighbors impacted by the wildfires. “This event is going to help support families who have been impacted—not just those who are struggling now, but also with the rebuilding in the future,” he said. “The fires have really shown how a community can come together for the greater good.”
He described Pasadena City College as “the community’s college,” emphasizing the institution’s commitment to public service and long-term recovery. “We’ll do whatever we can to support our neighbors—not just to get back to where we were, but to build something even better,” Gómez said. “During times of tragedy, you really learn what a community can accomplish.”
The WalkUnitedLA fundraiser begins early Sunday morning and continues into the afternoon, but donations may be made at any time.
Registration and parking open at 6 a.m., with food trucks available by 6:30 a.m. Festival activities start at 7 a.m., followed by opening entertainment and a stage program from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Runners will begin the course at 9 a.m., with walkers starting at 9:15 a.m. The event wraps up at 12:30 p.m.
Participants will complete a three-mile, pet-friendly loop surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium. Proceeds from the event will help fund Phase 2 of the nonprofit’s Wildfire Response Fund, which is investing in housing, legal support and community-based rebuilding efforts throughout fire-impacted areas.
Supporters can register or donate through walkunitedla.org.
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