Yes Virginia Grants Bring Holiday Joy to 1,500 Families

For nearly 30 years, Pasadena Community Foundation has ended the year with some very special grants. The Yes Virginia Grant Program helps local nonprofits host holiday experiences for children and their families. Many of them feature Santa Claus and gift giving, some involve real snow, and all help young people feel special and loved. This year, PCF awarded $15,000 to twelve Pasadena-area nonprofits, funding that ultimately helped more than 1,500 families celebrate the season.

The Yes Virginia Fund was created at PCF in 1994, and after 25 years of dedicated fundraising and community support, the fund reached its endowment goal of $500k, ensuring that it will continue to support holiday grants to local nonprofit agencies every year for decades to come.

2023 FESTIVITIES

PCF’s $15,000 in grant funding supported 12 nonprofits this year with their holiday events, including:

Door of Hope – The Winter Family Fun Festival featured real snow and a sledding hill, crafting, caroling, a hot chocolate booth, a story time with Mrs. Claus, and the opportunity for children to pick several toys from the toy area.

Elizabeth House – Its largest-ever in-person Holiday Party included several multi-generational families, including alumnae grandmothers and their children and grandchildren. Guests enjoyed craft projects, holiday-themed activities and games, a visit with Santa, and a Family Gift Bag with toys, books, and gift cards for holiday meals.

Harambee Ministries – Families were able to go “shopping” for Christmas, picking up gifts for their children ages newborn-18 and obtain supplies for gift wrapping.

Learning Works – 50 high school-age students were treated to a day of ice skating, receiving a set of mittens, a hat, and s’more kits as they arrived.

2023 YES VIRGINIA GRANTEE ORGANIZATIONS

Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena
Door of Hope
Elizabeth House
Families Forward Learning Center
Flintridge Center
Friends Outside in LA County
Harambee Ministries
Impact House
Learning Works
Pasadena Altadena Community Endowment Fund (PACEF) – The LINKS
Pasadena Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders (PACTL)
Treasure Little Children Foundation