Rose Bowl Aquatics Center to Mark 35 Years With Community Celebration Featuring Olympic Champion

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will host its “Cheers to 35 Years” Annual Fundraising Benefit on Sept. 30 at Noor in Pasadena, spotlighting its decades-long impact on water safety, community wellness and competitive aquatics.

Four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones will emcee the evening, which includes a dinner, silent auction and recognition of local leaders whose contributions reflect the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s mission. Honorees include Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, diver and philanthropist Felix Grossman, Water Fitness Leader Wendy Kendall and student-athletes representing the center.

Proceeds from the event will support swim lessons, youth development programs, financial assistance for low-income families and accessible aquatics activities and services. Executive Director Melanie Sauer said the milestone marks a commitment to continued access and inclusion. “This celebration is about honoring the past and diving boldly into the future, one where everyone has access to water safety education and every community member feels welcomed and inspired,” she said.

Jones, a champion for equity in swimming, praised the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s efforts. “The work the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center does to promote inclusion and save lives through water safety is critical,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of this milestone celebration.”

Founded in 1990, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center offers competitive, therapeutic and recreational aquatic programs and facilities including two Olympic pools, a therapy pool, conference rooms, locker rooms, a café and an aquatics merchandise shop. Its Water Safety Program provides every third-grade student in Pasadena Unified School District — including students with special needs — with access to water safety instruction.

Event details and ticket information are available at rosebowlaquatics.org/events..