Pasadena Gym Rallies Around Member Who Lost Home in Fire Sparked by Illegal Fireworks

A Pasadena gym has joined a community-wide effort to support a local family who lost their home in a fire officials say was ignited by illegal fireworks on Tuesday.

Hardcore Fitness Bootcamp, where one of the residents of the now-destroyed home is a member, has rallied to raise funds to help by offering free classes and a free six-month membership in a raffle, according to owner Carmen Anaya.

A young boy from a neighboring apartment building is believed to have lit a firework that grew into the blaze that destroyed the house at 894 Summit Ave., as well as six vehicles and a trailer, according to Pasadena Fire Department officials. A neighboring apartment building was also damaged by the intense flames.

The home had been in the victims’ family for three generations and was filled with irreplaceable heirlooms, according to neighbors. The woman and two men who lived there were cousins.

The woman who lived at the home has been a member of Hardcore Fitness Boot Camp,  2180 E. Walnut Street,  for about two years, Anaya said.

“During the pandemic, she was always so worried about us and how we would survive the closures. She is so kind to all our members and helps any chance she gets,” Anaya said.

“Hearing that she lost her house and the way it happened is devastating and our members instantly got together to see how they can help,” she said. “While we can’t replace photos and heirlooms, we hope the money will help her get back on her feet and also know she is not alone as her community rallies to help her during such a difficult time.”

Members had already raised $1,500 in donations as of Friday, according to Anaya. And the gym hatched a plan to raise even more.

Anyone who makes a $10 donation will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free six-month gym membership, she said. “Anyone who donates will also get a free class on us.”

Donations can be made via Venmo to @jackiehcfundraiser, Anaya said. “Each $10 donation would make the person eligible to win. We will announce the winner on June 19th at 4 p.m. at our gym.

The gym’s effort joins another fundraiser established by a neighbor online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-geoffrey-mark-jackie-recover-after-fire to aid the family. The fund had garnered over $9,000 in donations as of Friday.

Related:

Neighbors Raise Funds for Pasadena Family After Blaze Sparked by Fireworks Destroys Their Home

Fireworks Blamed for Fire That Damaged Home, Apartment Units, Cars in Pasadena

Residents Rally to Help Local Family Whose House Burned Sunday