Foothill Family marks 100 years with Pasadena gala

By AI, Created 3:15 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Foothill Family celebrated its centennial on May 16 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, with a gala and auction supporting mental health and family services. The milestone event highlighted the nonprofit’s century-long role in the San Gabriel Valley and its work with more than 29,000 children, individuals and families each year.

Why it matters: - Foothill Family’s centennial spotlights a century-old safety net for children and families in the San Gabriel Valley and across Southern California. - The gala raised funds for mental health, early childhood, school-based, and youth and family services programs. - The event also underscored the growing demand for crisis response and long-term support after events like the pandemic and the Eaton Fire.

What happened: - Foothill Family held its Centennial Gala and Auction on May 16 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. - Community leaders, elected officials, longtime supporters, and partners attended the celebration. - The event honored the nonprofit’s 100-year legacy and supported its future fundraising campaign. - U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Sen. Susan Rubio, Assemblymember John Harabedian, and Philippine Consul General Adel dela Cruz were among the special guests. - Chu presented Foothill Family with a Congressional Record recognizing the organization’s centennial milestone and community impact.

The details: - Foothill Family was founded in 1926 by Josephine Marsh and a group of women who passed a hat to help neighbors in need. - The organization now serves more than 29,000 children, individuals, and families each year. - Foothill Family operates across seven locations and partners with 178 schools in 18 school districts. - The gala included live entertainment, auctions, and a paddle raise. - The evening ended with a centennial toast led by CEO Steve Allen, Board Chair Dr. Laurel Bear, and longtime supporter Priscilla Hunt. - Foothill Family recognized its 2026 Top Workplace Culture of Excellence Award for Purpose & Values, Employee Well-Being, and Nonprofit Excellence. - Gold sponsors included Cathay Bank Foundation, Priscilla Hunt of Hunt Enterprises, Inc., and Northern Trust.

Between the lines: - The centennial message tied Foothill Family’s origin story to its current mission, framing the organization as both a historical institution and an active responder to community crises. - Allen said the pandemic and the Eaton Fire reinforced how essential compassion, connection, and mental health support remain for local families. - Chu’s remarks linked the organization’s disaster response to its broader legacy, emphasizing that recovery continues long after immediate relief.

What’s next: - Foothill Family’s gala is part of a year-long centennial celebration and fundraising campaign. - The organization plans to keep investing in services for children and families across the community. - Foothill Family’s leadership says the next phase of the mission will focus on helping more families heal, grow, and thrive.

The bottom line: - Foothill Family used its 100-year milestone to celebrate its past and make the case for continued support as mental health and family needs grow.