Since we launched the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Eaton Fire Response Fund in January, we’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from thousands of individuals, corporations, and foundations across the country. Every gift—large or small—has made a meaningful difference as we work together to support our schools, families, and community and recover from the Eaton Fire.
As always, we are working in close partnership with the leadership of the Pasadena Unified School District, and we are proud to share that all PUSD schools have reopened or relocated. This reflects the tireless efforts of district staff, who managed the intense and complex process of cleaning and preparing schools for students to return. We join the entire community in expressing our gratitude for their extraordinary work.
Here’s an update on PEF’s efforts:
Phase 1: Immediate Relief for Teachers and Staff
Our first priority was to get resources quickly to PUSD teachers and staff displaced by the fire. Thanks to your generosity, we distributed almost $100,000 in gift cards, providing immediate support during a critical time. We launched Phase 1 when we had raised just a few thousand dollars and before the fire was even contained. With the incredibly generous support we’ve received since, we can now go much further.
Phase 2: Expanding Support to Students and Families
We will soon provide relief to families of PUSD students and continued support for teachers and staff who remain displaced by the fire or have suffered economic hardship. Registrations for assistance are open at pased.org/fire-aid-reg, and we’re working to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. PEF will distribute more than $1,000,000 in financial assistance this month.
Phase 3: Long-Term Recovery
Looking ahead, we will use the Response Fund to help address the long-term impacts of the fire, including mental health, academic recovery, and restoring joy in our schools. We’ve already made grants directly to Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary School and Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School to address the special challenges they face in relocating to other campuses.
A key initiative is the launch next week of Classroom Response Grants, which will provide $500,000 of direct support to PUSD teachers for resources they need to support their students. We will continue our work alongside the district to support long-term recovery and our efforts will remain responsive to the evolving needs of our schools and families.
This work has been made possible by the generosity of countless donors, including major contributions from the Ballmer Group, Jefferies LLC, Jones Day Foundation, Disney, Amazon, California Community Foundation, General Motors Foundation, CAA Foundation, Skechers Foundation, Sony Corporation of America, and Taylor Swift.
We are committed to building and deepening relationships that will support PUSD and our community’s recovery—not just for weeks and months, but for years to come. Thank you for standing with us. Your support is making a difference every day.
