Nine months after the Eaton Fire forced families from their homes, the Salvation Army Pasadena is hosting its annual fundraising gala with renewed urgency—and personal understanding of what displaced families endure.
Becky Helms, who leads the organization’s local corps, evacuated with her own children on January 7. “As we were leaving…all of our kids are crying and I am trying to keep them all calm and reminding them everything in our house is replaceable. The most important thing is that we’re together and mommy and daddy are going to do everything we can to make sure our family is safe,” she recalled.
Now Helms is channeling that experience into “A Night of Hope” on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Noor Event Center, 300 E Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena. The gala aims to raise $150,000 to support fire recovery efforts and year-round services including food assistance, shelter, youth mentorship and family programs throughout Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre and San Marino.
The evening marks the official kickoff of the Red Kettle Season. Guests will hear stories of transformed lives and enjoy dinner, live entertainment and auction opportunities. Individual tickets are $100. Every dollar raised remains local.
Since its first meeting in Pasadena on Feb. 2, 1888, the Salvation Army has served the community without discrimination.
For information, contact Becky Helms at Rebecca.Helms@usw.SalvationArmy.org or (626) 773-4400.
Salvation Army Pasadena’s Annual Fundraising Gala: A Night of Hope will run on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Noor Event Center, 300 E Colorado Blvd., Suite 200, in Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 773-4400 or visit https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/event/the-salvation-army-or-pasadena-gala-2025/e700055. Ticket prices: $125.
