Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to Honor Community Leaders and Student-Athletes at Annual Benefit

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary with the Cheers to 35 Years Annual Fundraising Benefit on Tuesday, Sept. 30, recognizing three prominent community leaders and four standout student-athletes who exemplify the center’s mission of promoting community and well-being through water safety, aquatic programs and competition.

Honorees include Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton, diving champion and philanthropist Felix Grossman, and longtime water fitness instructor Wendy Kendall. Each has made significant contributions to civic engagement, aquatics access and community health.

The event will also spotlight recipients of the RBAC Mission Award, bestowed on student-athletes who embody RBAC’s core values of excellence, discipline, community, and personal growth through aquatic sports. Each recipient was nominated by their respective coach.

This year’s honorees are:

• Tait Landswick – Rose Bowl Water Polo Club
• Mia Bugarin – Rose Bowl Aquatics
• RJ Romero – Rays Swim Team
• Lula Marquis – Rose Bowl Diving

These student-athletes exemplify excellence, integrity, and leadership while contributing strong members of their respective teams.

“RBAC has thrived for 35 years because of the incredible people who support our mission,” said Melanie Sauer, executive director of RBAC. “Tyron, Felix, Wendy, and our student-athlete honorees embody the spirit of service, leadership, and community that we celebrate every day.”

Hampton has championed local wellness initiatives and community programming through his role on the Pasadena City Council. Grossman’s philanthropic efforts have expanded diving opportunities for youth nationwide. Kendall has led water fitness programs at RBAC for years, inspiring residents to pursue active, connected lifestyles.

The benefit will be held at Noor in Pasadena, marking more than three decades of RBAC’s impact on youth development, public health and civic engagement.