Community Supporters Gather for Flintridge Center’s “Walk Northwest” Fundraiser

[Updated April 15, 2014]  Approximately 110 local community members, teachers and government leaders  gathered Saturday morning April 12 under unusually gray skies for the Flintridge Center’s first interactive fundraiser, called “Walk Northwest.”

Mayor Bill Bogaard, City Manager Michael J. Beck, and Pasadena Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson were among the participants as the event kicked off.  Beck — who walked virtually the entire route and who went above the call of duty by picking up five bags of litter along the way — and Robinson joined the walkers.

“I have such great admiration for Flintridge Center, and its ability to focus on the most critical needs of our community and address them in constructive and effective ways,” Mayor Bogaard said to the walkers, at the start of the 3.7 mile walk.

The proceeds of the non-competitive charity walk will benefit the programs and services of Flintridge Center in fighting the effects of community violence and poverty throughout Northwest Pasadena and West Altadena.

“Rather than host a traditional fundraiser, Flintridge Center has found a way to get our supporters engaged with the community we serve,” said Flintridge Center Executive Director Jaylene Moseley, adding, “What better way to truly understand the transformation of the Northwest community than to join us on a tour on a beautiful spring day.”

During the walk, participants met with individuals whose lives have been transformed through the nonprofit’s programs, and Walk Northwest group leader, trained in Northwest Pasadena history, highlighted historical and community-relevant sites in the area.

Following the walk, which began and ended at Flintridge Center’s Mountain Street facility, the participants were serenaded by The Steve Creason Band and a bounty of healthy food.

The Walk Northwest event was co-sponsored by the City of Pasadena, the Pasadena Museum of History, and the Pasadena Library. Pasadena Now served as a media sponsor for the event. In-kind donations were also provided by Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s of Pasadena–Arroyo Parkway, Super King Market and Northwest’s own Perry’s Joint.

Flintridge Center is a nonprofit Northwest Pasadena and West Altadena organization, which works to combat the effects of poverty and violence. Its projects include supporting mentorship matches for high-risk, high-need youth, job training for the underemployed, and connections to resources for those returning from incarceration.

For more, see www.flintridge.org.