Coldwell Banker Realty to Host 21st Annual First-Responders BBQ

Real estate agents from Coldwell Banker Realty’s Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge offices will prepare a celebration with a hearty homecooked meal for the city’s first responders this Nov. 2 as a way of thanking them for protecting the lives of Pasadena residents.

The event, called the Annual First-Responders BBQ, will be held at La Casita del Arroyo at 177 S. Arroyo Boulevard on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

“The BBQ is a wonderful way for us to show our support and appreciation for all the amazing people who stand on the front lines and are out there daily assisting individuals and protecting our community,” said Lori Ramirez, branch manager of the Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge offices of Coldwell Banker Realty. “We enjoy providing a setting where members of the various municipal departments can relax and visit with each other over a good meal.”

The yearly event started in 2002 on the first anniversary of 9/11 when Coldwell Banker agent Rosey Bell first approached Pasadena’s police and fire department chiefs with her idea to host a lunch to show deep gratitude to first responders for their tireless work.

Since then, the city’s first responders have considered the BBQ one of their favorite days of the year, saying it’s good for morale and is one of the few times that fire and police can meet in a casual atmosphere and not over a catastrophic incident. 

Every year, over 300 personnel from Fire, Police attend the event and enjoy a homecooked meal prepared by volunteers throughout the day during the Annual First-Responders BBQ.

The annual event becomes possible through the efforts of real estate agents from Coldwell Banker Realty who donate money, prepare food and volunteer their time for the success of the event.  

At last year’s event, between 300 to 400 meals were served in one day.

Both the Pasadena Police and Fire Departments expressed their heartfelt thanks by presenting Bell with Certificates of Recognition for her more than 20-year commitment to making the annual event happen.

“If we look back at the intent of this, after 9/11, to honor first responders, it’s humbling,” reflected Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin when interviewed last year. 

“All of my men and women, along with law enforcement, want to do our job and serve the community,” Augustin said. “It’s nice to get everyone here to celebrate, to break bread, and to really just be able to enjoy good company.”

Coldwell Banker Realty operates 61 offices in Southern California with over 4,300 affiliated agents. Real estate agents affiliated with the company are independent contractor agents. The company is owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp., the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the U.S.